Reflections on the loving kindness of the Triune God
Vladimir Putin wants higher historic ranking. To be an Alexander the Great. Or Julius Caesar, Napoleon, or, especially, a Joseph Stalin. None achieved character awards, but they didn’t care. All had three qualities that, together, made them dominant figures in their time. And having this triad of abilities, their appetite for power over others flourished …
Read More Shared ValuesLet’s reflect on the Spirit. As Jesus told Nicodemus, the Spirit is life—he awakens souls to God. He also offers the Son’s love, joy, peace and more—all that Jesus offered in person to his followers centuries ago. So, when Jesus returned to the Father after his time on earth he left the Spirit to share …
Read More A quiet presenceGod, as creator, gifts all of us with growth. Paul attributed this to Jesus in the broad context of creation in Colossians 1:16-17—“all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Julie Canlis, in Calvin’s Ladder, tells us of the church father, Irenaeus, …
Read More Growth in ThanksgivingRichard Sibbes’ portrayal of faith was trinitarian and Christ-centered. An English Puritan (1577-1635), he shared a deep concern about a question still alive today. How do we engage God? Do we matter to him? And if so, what does he want from us? Sibbes’ answer was biblical and personal. God the Father wants a bride …
Read More A bride for JesusIn Gentle and Lowly Dane Ortlund wrote, “He [Jesus] sends his grace to us, personally, individually, eternally. Indeed, he sends himself—there’s no such ‘thing’ as grace …” (p.211). Yes, Jesus shares God’s grace with us by the Spirit, so divine grace is his expansive love. And while we may recognize many special acts of divine grace, together …
Read More Finding Grace“What do you mean by ‘affective theology?’ I’ve never heard of it before I met you.” This was the lead line of the Spreading Goodness entry for June 4, 2018. In that piece—and I invite readers to visit there—I explained why I adopted this uncommon phrasing. I also use the phrase “heart-based spirituality” to say the same …
Read More Affective LivesFaith is tied to righteousness. Or, by another name, to justification. As in, “The righteous shall live by faith,” and, “without faith it is impossible to please him [God] …” Faith establishes a believer’s righteousness. And not, by the way, as a choice of the will but as a heartfelt response to God’s love. For …
Read More Faith, Love, and TrustWe need prophets. Weeping prophets. Who love Jesus and his Father. And who grieve over the tragic spiritual state we’re in today. Think of the difference between a doctor who tells a wife of her husband’s terminal cancer with a tear in his eye; and another who is professional and distant. We prefer and trust …
Read More Weeping ProphetsI first ran into debates between Calvinists and Arminians as a young Christian. Here’s a brief overview. The Calvinists insisted that God’s sovereign rule is behind the doctrine of election. God alone choses the “elect”—those selected, unconditionally, for salvation—and all others face eternal damnation. The Arminians, on the other hand, thought this made God into …
Read More An Affective, Compatible FaithHaystack Rock is a monolith at the ocean edge in Cannon Beach, Oregon. It endures constant waves from the ocean side while on its beach face tourists can usually walk up to its base. I envision something like Haystack when I read about rocks of refuge in the Bible. David, for one, wrote of God …
Read More Steady