"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.”...
Christians are the ones who confess their belief in the Holy Trinity. In practice, however, we seldom hear sermons, rarely discuss or rely on the power of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. Hence, the Trinity plays only a nominal role for some believers, who in reality become mere monotheists...
Interview with Joel Beeke
The “good life” is a puff of vapor, for we live in a world of sin and misery and are rushing toward eternity. If you were on an airplane flying to another country where you would spend the rest of your life, which should your mind focus on: the snacks...
Interview with John Bolt
The Gospel is the good news that God in his grace saves the lost through the work of his Son Jesus Christ and restores us to fellowship with God. This is the treasure, the pearl of great price, that is true and valuable even if it had no consequences for...
Interview with Kevin Vanhoozer
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Interview with Jordan Ballor
What is the “Gospel” and what practical implications does the Gospel make in my everyday life? The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and his will, in what we have done and what...
Interview with James DeJong
What is the “Gospel” and what practical implications does the Gospel make in my everyday life? The “gospel” is the good news that life in all its dimensions is good, beautiful, meaningful and enormously satisfying when lived in fellowship the Lord Jesus and his committed followers. What is “sin” and...
Interview with Trevin Wax
The gospel is good news – a royal announcement that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God. He lived a perfect life in our place, died on the cross for our sins, was raised to launch God’s new creation, and is now exalted as King of the world. This...
Interview with John Frame
What is the “Gospel” and what practical implications does the Gospel make in my everyday life? The Gospel is the good news that God, the sovereign creator of all, sent his Son Jesus to die and rise again, to destroy sin and all its effects. God has ordained that those...
Interview with Sam Storms
What is the “Gospel” and what practical implications does the Gospel make in my everyday life? I believe the Gospel is the gloriously good news, indeed the very best news, that God has graciously done everything necessary, at great sacrifice to himself, through the sinless life, penal substitutionary and sacrificial...
