"Sanctification" or "Transformation by Participation"
We need to say more about this transformation, which in classic theology is usually called sanctification. We differ from this tradition on terminology but not as to content. In fact, by using “transformation,” we hope to inject the concept with new meaning. As we further reflect on the nature of this transformation, we must start at its source: our participation in Christ. In our justification we are delivered from any pressure to do things—from all efforts to free ourselves from the burden and melancholy of our existence. We relinquish the endless, tiring attempts to prove ourselves so as to deserve our true identity in submission to Christ (see Matt 11:28). Christ appreciated and still appreciates our value; we therefore embody that value, even if that does not correspond with how we feel
A Baptized Imagination of Storytelling
“I immediately saw that neither pious homilies or straightforward religious education were cutting it. Instead, I brought in albums, video and newspaper clips. By exploring the stories behind pop music, entertainment and sports reporting with them I was able to unpack the underlying worldview. Not only does this approach work, it works without any complaints of preaching or indoctrination. Vital in today’s pluralist society. Stories are disarming!... We’ve used the same approach to name and shame the individualistic and materialist belief system that mugs so many today.” – Mark Roques
Worship as A Pot Luck vs. Worship as Fast Food
“Our weary hearts long to hear the gospel reverberate around us in surround sound. We hear the voices of our fellow church members and remember that were not in this alone. God has welcomed us into his family.” Listen in as we sit down with Matt Merker, author of “Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God’s People” (Crossway, 2021), asking him about all things worship/singing at church.
A Faith of Half-Truths
Not long ago, Dr. Michael Kruger came across a list of ten principles set forth by proponents of progressive Christianity. They are, in effect, a new Ten Commandments. What’s striking is that they are far less about God revealing his desires and far more about man expressing his own—less Moses, more Oprah.
Yet each of these “commandments” is partially true. Indeed, that is what makes this list, and progressive Christianity as a whole, so challenging. Half-truths can sound quite appealing until you recognize their foundations and implications. In connection with Dr. Kruger’s booklet, The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity (Cruciform Quick), listen in as Dr. Kruger diagnoses and critiques a few of these tenets and offer a brief biblical and theological response.
“God doesn’t need your good works… But your neighbor does.”
Ok, so were saved… Now what? Once we know we are firm in Christ, we ask, along with Luther, what should we do now? We know we don’t perform good works to get saved, or to stay saved, or to improve our salvation, or to impress God… So why do works at all then? We agree with Luther/Wingren saying “God doesn’t need your good works… But your neighbor does.”...
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"Sanctification" or "Transformation by Participation"
We need to say more about this transformation, which in classic theology is usually called sanctification. We differ from this tradition on terminology but not as to content. In fact, by using “transformation,” we hope to inject the concept with new meaning. As we further reflect on the nature of...
A Baptized Imagination of Storytelling
“I immediately saw that neither pious homilies or straightforward religious education were cutting it. Instead, I brought in albums, video and newspaper clips. By exploring the stories behind pop music, entertainment and sports reporting with them I was able to unpack the underlying worldview. Not only does this approach work,...
Worship as A Pot Luck vs. Worship as Fast Food
“Our weary hearts long to hear the gospel reverberate around us in surround sound. We hear the voices of our fellow church members and remember that were not in this alone. God has welcomed us into his family.” Listen in as we sit down with Matt Merker, author of “Corporate...
A Faith of Half-Truths
Not long ago, Dr. Michael Kruger came across a list of ten principles set forth by proponents of progressive Christianity. They are, in effect, a new Ten Commandments. What’s striking is that they are far less about God revealing his desires and far more about man expressing his own—less Moses,...
“God doesn’t need your good works… But your neighbor does.”
Ok, so were saved… Now what? Once we know we are firm in Christ, we ask, along with Luther, what should we do now? We know we don’t perform good works to get saved, or to stay saved, or to improve our salvation, or to impress God… So why do...
When the desire to be on fire for Jesus is a living hell
“Is there a God for those who are not changing anything but diapers? Is there a God for those who simply love their spouse and pour out rarely appreciated affection on their children day after day? Is there a God for the mom who spends what feels like God-forsaken days...
The Trinity is not a Mere Concept, Idea or Formula or Code to be Cracked
Questions to Dr. Sonderegger 1. What did God’s internal relationship look like as Father, Son and Spirit BEFORE anything was ever created? 2. Does understanding their pre-creation relationship explain why the Son was sent by the Father instead of the Son sending the Father to be incarnate and save us?...
The question stretches out into the pew where it steals away into suburban homes, places of work, seminaries and wreaks havoc in bedrooms and boardrooms
Is there a God for those who are not changing anything but diapers? Is there a God for those who simply love their spouse and pour out rarely appreciated affection on their children day after day? Is there a God for the mom who spends what feels like God-forsaken days...
The Moral Life of the Gospel in Contemporary Context
Dr. Ross Hastings is a pure and utter delight and a fount of wisdom - a medium for compelling truth for the Christian just trying to make it through the day. Bombarded with temptations from within and without, how do we actually wage war, how do we “by the Spirit...
