Does it seem that work, school, or the household routines enslave you to a here and now focus of life? When was the last time that you spent intentional time meditating on the return of Christ, heaven, or some aspect of God’s eternal kingdom? The New Testament epistle of 1 Thessalonians offers a corrective to this enslaving here and now life focus by ending each chapter with some reference to Christ’s return. For example, chapter 1:10-11 ends...
The Power of the Resurrection
Definitions of the gospel are not complete apart from I Corinthians 15. Verses 1-8 declare the gospel in terms of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Within the larger canonical context we understand that the gospel includes a rich tapestry of details that encompasses the deity and the humanity of Christ, the return of Christ, the exaltation of Christ, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the theology of God as Creator...
The Word-Church Connect
As I prepare for a weekend of ministry in North Carolina at Colonial Baptist Church, I will have one preaching opportunity that excites me. On a personal level I am looking forward to seeing Colonial and Shepherds Seminary. God has used Stephen Davey to establish and develop the varied ministries of Colonial Baptist. This will also be a special opportunity for me since I spent 14 wonderful years working with Daniel, Stephen’s brother, at...
What does Student Life look like at a Christian Liberal Arts College focused on the Gospel? – Part 2
In my last post, I presented a basic definition of the gospel as a foundation for the culture of a college student life. This post attempts to apply the gospel to the rules and regulations of the campus. Now, let’s consider how gospel-centered truth would impact the student life of a Christian liberal arts college. Foremost, I would affirm that every relationship, family unit, people group, society, and or campus needs order. We all need...
What does Student Life look like at a Christian Liberal Arts College focused on the Gospel? – Part 1
I am enjoying the rich conversation and the helpful publications about the gospel and gospel centrality taking place today. I am encouraged by the theology of the gospel. At the same time, I am challenged as I consider specific applications of it to my life and my ministry. When I interact with friends or ministry colleagues about the gospel, the challenge intensifies. They want a gospel definition. They want to know how commitment to the...