The Quest for the Trinity: The Doctrine of God in Scripture, History and Modernity by Stephen R. Holmes
If you’re looking for a condensed historical account of the doctrine of the Trinity in a few chapters, look at the chapters in this book
The apostles worshiped three without denying the assumption that there was one God alone. What they offered was a received way of speaking which was reliable and was in fact congruent with the Old Testament Scriptures. The church had to work to understand what was assumed in that precise way of speaking, which Holmes says is to understand the triune life of God. When we understand something about Scripture, we return to it with that understanding in order to understand more.
Teachability
What is required in order for us to become teachable?
Teachability demands humility. Only a humble soul will become a teachable soul. A great deal of true humility is needed for a man or woman to admit that he or she does not know all that he or she should know. There is a false humility that seeks to make indecisiveness a virtue. The teachability of a humble soul does not manifest itself in an intellectual agnosticism. A truly humble man or woman will have thoughtful formed opinions and strong convictions.
Four Reasons Rest is a Good Thing
God created us, and we should steward the gift of our bodies and health well
Rest reminds us of our rest in Christ: Yet because the Fall did happen, sin has saturated our work. It weakens our bodies with illness and fatigue. We are born sinners and need not only physical rest for our bodies; we need spiritual rest as well. When we take the time to rest, we are reminded of Christ’s work for us on the cross. His perfect work on our behalf has been given to us. Rather than striving to do what we cannot do—obey the law—we now find our rest in Christ and in his work for us. “For we who have believed enter that rest” (Hebrews 4:3). Christ has purchased for us spiritual rest.
Whistleblowers: Planned Parenthood Had Dead Baby Quotas
Former Planned Parenthood employees reveal they were incentivized to pressure women into getting abortions to meet monthly corporate quotas.
“If they’d say, ‘I’m not able to pay today,’ then we would say something like, ‘Well, if you can’t pay $10 today, how are you going to take care of a baby?'” Thayer said. “‘Have you priced diapers? Do you know how much it costs to buy a car seat? Where would you go for help? There’s no place in Storm Lake’ — or whatever town they were in — ‘where you can get help as a pregnant mom. So really, don’t you think your smartest choice is termination?’”
Why Should a Pastor Stay a Long Time at One Church?
Watching God work through your ministry in such a way that those who once despised you, grow to love and appreciate you.
Unable to humanly explain anything I had experienced that day, God reminded me of one of the greatest joys of staying and enduring with these people. As we endure the criticism, complaints, and verbal attacks, and try to love and care for the souls of those who attack us, God in his grace might just allow us to eventually win them over. What a powerful testimony of the power of God at work in his shepherd and sheep when He does this.
Soap and Oprah
Move over Thomas Aquinas, there is a new guide to morals on Malta: Oprah Winfrey. “I just know in my heart that it is OK.”
I am not a Roman Catholic and not a huge fan of much Roman Catholic theology. But I had long thought that, when it came to social teaching and hard-headed moral thinking, the Roman Catholic Church was light years ahead of most Protestants in both sophistication and precision. That no longer seems to be the case. The best one can say is that the style of this document is provided by soft soap, and the content by Oprah.
UMC Congregation Apologizes for Removal of Gay Pastor
The congregation expressed a similar sentiment for their denomination in the declaration
Kenosha may have unilaterally attempted to reconcile with their former pastor. But the UMC’s Book of Discipline still unambiguously states that “self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.” This provision has remained a part of the Book of Discipline since 1972, despite repeated attempts by progressives to overturn it at General Conference.
My New Motto: To the End
If I don’t make it “to the end,” better never to have begun.
I think of the millions of unknown Christians who live unheralded lives of unimpeachable integrity and die beautifully in faith. Then I think of well-known pastors who fall into gross sin and bring dishonor upon the cause of Christ. Better live unknown and die in faith, than live well-known and die in disgrace. As... Continue Reading
Stott’s Simple—Yet Surprising—Productivity Secret
Sometimes the best way to move forward in life is to hit the pause button and begin to see life as God does.
Ministry is a tricky thing, because you’re never really done until Christ returns. Even if you’re not a minister, 21st century life is hectic and responsibilities are demanding. Building in an extra ‘sabbath’ into your schedule will keep from feeling overwhelmed and refreshed by seeking the Lord through the Word and prayer. A 29-year-old John Stott... Continue Reading
There Will Always Be Racism And Justice Ain’t Coming No Time Soon
We must try! While we wait For Love's and Justice's foray A Rider called Faithful and True Will judge with justice and make war, Where righteousness will have its day.
There Will Always Be Racism And Justice ain’t coming no time soon. Demand it all you want Someone out there won’t get the memo. Racism’s perverted, constructed monstrosity, Humanity’s Frankenstein Social construction, Will work it’s lips to call you a name As you walk by a window. It will drive up behind you Follow you... Continue Reading