Chaplainmike

The Epistles Begin with the Gospel

Reading Romans (1) The Epistles Begin with the Gospel Paul, a slave of King Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for God’s good news, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the sacred writings — the good news about his son, who was descended from David’s seed in terms of flesh, andContinue reading “The Epistles Begin with the Gospel”

Teaching One Another: A Little Fish Story

Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime. * * * The other night, during my prayer time, the text was Matthew 17:24-27, a bizarre little “fish story” about Peter going fishing so he and Jesus could pay their tithes. I am goingContinue reading “Teaching One Another: A Little Fish Story”

James D.G. Dunn on the Importance of the New Perspective

I think the so-called “New Perspective on Paul” is of tremendous importance for a more accurate understanding of the Gospel and the teaching of the New Testament. I have always felt that way, from the my first exposure to E.P. Sanders, Krister Stendahl, and James D. G. Dunn in seminary back in the 1980s. OnContinue reading “James D.G. Dunn on the Importance of the New Perspective”

The Barton Lies

David Barton is a Texan, and we know everything is larger in Texas. Even lies are bigger in Texas. Take Barton’s latest book, The Jefferson Lies. There are lies aplenty in this work, so many in fact that the publisher, Thomas Nelson, made the very rare move last week to pull all copies of theContinue reading “The Barton Lies”

Eagle Update: 8/13/12

Please renew your prayer efforts! Eagle was transferred to a rehabilitation facility at the end of last week. It has not gone well. Tonight his fever had spiked again and he was having other symptoms that required him to be readmitted to the hospital. The condition of his leg remains serious. Please intercede forContinue reading “Eagle Update: 8/13/12”

An Invitation from John Armstrong

My friend John Armstrong has a heart that those of us from different traditions in the Church will increasingly come together to serve the world with God’s love and the Good News of the Kingdom. His ministry, ACT 3, exists to equip leaders for unity in Christ’s mission. One of John’s primary activities these daysContinue reading “An Invitation from John Armstrong”

“The Gospel” Discussion Continues…

“The Gospel” continues to be a lively discussion in Christian circles these days. Two good posts on by D.M. Williams add insight and fodder for further discussion: What is the Gospel?: Sola Fide, Kyrios Christos, Christus Victor? What is the Gospel?: “The Gospel” in the Gospels In his first post, Williams includes several written definitionsContinue reading ““The Gospel” Discussion Continues…”

Frank Schaeffer Reconsiders His Style

Frank Schaeffer is saying he’s had a change of heart. Over the years the son of Francis and Edith Schaeffer of L’Abri famously abandoned his role as a leader in the religious right, embraced Orthodox Christianity, and became a spokesman for the political left. At every stage he has been known for being blunt andContinue reading “Frank Schaeffer Reconsiders His Style”

Psunday Psalms: Psalm 1

Psunday Psalms Devotional Thoughts on the Psalms * * * Psalm 1 Happy is the man who has not followed the counsel of the wicked, or taken the path of sinners, or joined the company of the indolent; rather, the teaching of the Lord is his delight, and he studies that teaching day and night.Continue reading “Psunday Psalms: Psalm 1”

iMonk Classic: Surprising Encouragement

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From August 2008 Note from CM: Tomorrow morning, I will preach a sermon on the same basic theme as this post, using the text with which Michael ends his essay. Surely God’s hesed goes before us and surrounds each and every day of our lives. * * * JustContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Surprising Encouragement”