Category Archives: Jesus Shaped

Who and What Are Forming You?

A classic IM post by Michael Spencer from April, 2007. Every time I feel like I have lost my way in the Christian life, I find myself back looking at monasticism, and the lessons I learned in two decades of reading Thomas Merton. I’m not attracted to Catholicism, but I am very much attracted toContinue reading “Who and What Are Forming You?”

I Am the Least of These

I heard it again in church today. Last week, it was in our church bulletin, used to announce a youth mission project. It is the poster passage for all manner of missions and social justice ministries. How can you go wrong with a text that epitomized Mother Teresa, the very Scripture by which she herselfContinue reading “I Am the Least of These”

On The Way To Being “The New Humanity”

C.S. Lewis, in one of the last chapters of Mere Christianity, says that the quality of life among the “new humanity” is such that those of us around them would know there was something different- otherworldly- at work. The spiritual life that they possessed was so different from the merely material, biological life we allContinue reading “On The Way To Being “The New Humanity””

“Will We Have To Leave?”

I’m supply preaching these days at a small Presbyterian church in town. I usually arrive half an hour early, turn on the heat and just enjoy the silence of the sanctuary until the congregation arrives. Most of my folks live right around the adjacent blocks, some within walking distance. Last Lord’s day, two older ladiesContinue reading ““Will We Have To Leave?””

Riffs: 11:23:09: Required Behavior Modification and the Gospel

Like any and all Riffs, these are simply some of my thoughts inspired by other posts and discussions. Not a throw down, etc. This morning at evangel, Joe Carter voiced some of his frustration at the way the “law/Gospel” distinction sounds to his ears. I’ve wrestled with this myself on this site. Then, in theContinue reading “Riffs: 11:23:09: Required Behavior Modification and the Gospel”

My Strange Experiences With An Absent Gospel: Scripture Sources (Part 2)

The apparent crisis in giving the Gospel its right and Biblically healthy place in evangelical Christian faith exists on several levels. First, there is the level of scriptural definition. While I can answer the question “What is the Gospel?” it is the Biblical material that should form my definition. Before I give some simple GospelContinue reading “My Strange Experiences With An Absent Gospel: Scripture Sources (Part 2)”

What Did Jesus Know? (And How Does It Matter?)

Once again, Jesus is getting me in trouble. This time it’s over at the Boar’s Head, where a “discussion” on Jesus’ knowledge of medical conditions turned into real concerns that I am promoting a less than orthodox view of Jesus. When I was in my Master’s program at seminary, I remember a full-on debate betweenContinue reading “What Did Jesus Know? (And How Does It Matter?)”

Is a Passion for the Church the Same as a Passion for the Kingdom?

From Ray Ortlund at Christ Is Deeper Still: “My passion isn’t to build up my church. My passion is for God’s Kingdom.” Ever heard someone say that? I have. It sounds large-hearted, but it’s wrong. It can even be destructive. Suppose I said, “My passion isn’t to build up my marriage. My passion is forContinue reading “Is a Passion for the Church the Same as a Passion for the Kingdom?”

Jesus- Yes; Church- No? Maybe.

Therefore, a slogan that was popular some years back: “Jesus yes, Church no”, is totally inconceivable with the intention of Christ. This individualistically chosen Jesus is an imaginary Jesus. We cannot have Jesus without the reality he created and in which he communicates himself. Between the Son of God-made-flesh and his Church there is aContinue reading “Jesus- Yes; Church- No? Maybe.”

Is There A Place To Repent? (Or Must I Make This Journey Alone?)

6: 9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—noneContinue reading “Is There A Place To Repent? (Or Must I Make This Journey Alone?)”