What would following Jesus be like without a Bible to read? That’s how it was for most believers in the early days of the church. It’s called oral culture, and Dr. Brent Sandy’s latest book shows us why it matters, and how we can implement orality in churches today.
Pastoral Concern Letter Sent to Cornerstone University
In this post we discuss the delivery of the letter of pastoral concern by USPS to the CU Board of Trustees. We talk about who signed the letter and why others didn’t. We also reflect briefly on the unpleasant yet necessary role we have played in this unsavory drama.
Good Will toward Men? Luke 2:14, Ancient Manuscripts, and the Meaning of Advent
What do you think when you get a Christmas card that says “Peace on earth, good will to men”? Are you a sentimentalist or a cynic? Actually, I’d join the cynics if those were my only two options. But that’s not what Luke 2:14 means. God isn’t a benevolent weakling who makes promises of peace that he can’t fulfill. God does give his peace to those in whom he takes pleasure. Are you one of them?
Dr. Chris Miller’s New Matthew Commentary
Dr. Chris Miller’s recent commentary on Matthew is the first of a projected series on the entire NT. The fundamental values of this series are solid, and Miller’s initial volume is a fine example of Calvin’s “lucid brevity” model. The exegesis is enlightening, not mind-numbing, and the reflection is realistic, not fluffy. Take a look at this commentary!
A Smear Campaign against Cornerstone University or DARVO?
A recent video interview provides information that enables us to speak directly to CU president Gerson Moreno-Riaño’s self-understanding and how it has led to the tumultuous events that have hurt so many CU personnel—administrators, faculty, staff, and students alike. GMR speaks of himself as a courageous and fearless leader, just like Joshua (Joshua 1:9). There is a vicious smear campaign against him, yet he responds to his enemies like King David did in the Psalms, by praying for protection. He even goes so far as to compare himself to Jesus, who was silent before his accusers during his passion. Really? Does the CU Board of Trustees support this narrative?
Giving Thanks with Daniel
Scripture often tells us that thanksgiving should be constant, that our gratitude shouldn’t rise and fall with our circumstances and preferences. Saint Paul taught us to pray and give thanks in every circumstance (Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:17), and he practiced what he preached (Acts 16:25; 1 Cor 1:4). This means we base our prayers on the promises of God. The prophet Daniel is a powerful model of promise-based prayers that transcend circumstances and preferences. Remember how Daniel turned away from sumptuous food fit for a king to eat only vegetables? Remember how Daniel prayed and gave thanks with his window open even though he knew it could lead to his execution? Let’s learn how to give thanks with Daniel!