Apprentice 2 Jesus

Theology

  • Kingdom Expectation Demands Change

    The pro-life ethic is possible. It is not something laid out by Jesus and just left in the text of Matthew’s gospel. Peter picks it up (as do the other New Testament writers) and calls on the reader to understand the need for change. We do NOT have to live in the grip of this… Read more

  • A Pro-Life Ethic and Avoiding Bumper Sticker Theology

    Over the past few months I have worked at what I am calling a true “pro-life” ethic. This is an ethic I believe can be sustained as a Christian. It is also an ethic that I believe cannot be labeled “liberal” or “conservative,” “Democrat” or “Republican.” In the wake of the school shootings in Connecticut,… Read more

  • Why is Deception So Easy?

    Part of the Advent Reading is in 2 Thessalonians. Today’s reading in 2 Thess. 2:1-12. The question here is this: Why is deception so easy? Paul writes encouragement to the Thessalonians because he wants them to know what is truth. He lets them know they don’t have to be so easily conned in this game of, “Here comes… Read more

  • The Sermon on the Mount and a Pro-Life Ethic

    Jesus was serious about the Kingdom bringing a righteousness back into play that would exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees. The goal of a true pro-life ethic in the Kingdom of God should be to move away from the emphasis on the regulations of the Law and return to the character of the Law. The Kingdom ethic demands more of us.… Read more

  • The Purpose of the Following Christ

    As I am working my way through the Sermon on the Mount in studying a true pro-life ethic, I was caught by Craig Keener’s words in his work on the background of the New Testament. This particular quote on Matthew 5:13-16 is incredible: A disciple of the kingdom who does not live like a disciple… Read more

  • Israel, Palestine, and an Effort Toward a True Pro-Life Ethic

    I began some thoughts on what it means to have a “pro-life” ethic (HERE), and on that same day the United Nations voted to allow provisional recognition of Palestine as a “state.” This came over the loud objections of the United States and Israel. This is a perfect areas to try and hash out a… Read more

  • An Attempt on a Life Ethic

    We have passed the election season and are now in “fiscal cliff” season. We’ve had about 48 hours of feel good talk (about two weeks ago), and since that time Democrats and Republicans alike have re-trenched their positions. Politics, culture, and religion are such hot topics. When I try to work my way through this… Read more

  • Sin

    “Sin is not a mistake. Our sin is our willing unlawfulness, our purposeful breaking of God’s law. In attitude and in deed, we rebel against God, and we have for that reason forfeited our right to live. We deserve to die for our sins. That’s what the death of Jesus is for; our deliberate unlawfulness.… Read more

  • 95 Theses

    For Reformation Sunday and Reformation Day that is ahead of us, go HERE to read Luther’s 95 Theses. What are the things you would nail to the church door for discussion today? Luther went after the view of “salvation” and “penance,” especially in regard to the use of indulgences. I see a re-working/discussion of “salvation”… Read more

  • Why bother with the Old Testament?

    The God of the Old Testament is so mean. He’s violent. He’s vengeful. The “God I know” wouldn’t ever be that way. The “God I know” would be more like this: “I know that you are a merciful and compassionate God, very patient, full of faithful love, and willing not to destroy.” Yes, sir, give… Read more