Arising out of God’s sovereignty, is the truth that God elects and predestines. These concepts often prove controversial and leave us with a lot of questions about human responsibility. As we will see, Paul’s intention in Ephesians 1 is not to stir up controversy or make a philosophical point but rather to encourage us pastorally.… Continue reading God Predestines
Category: Theology
God is sovereign
One of the other things I tend to look out for when preparing either a one off sermon or a series is the particular doctrinal issues that arise. In the case of Ephesians 1, a big theme is the sovereignty of God. Here’s a chapter from my E-book “Who is God” on thi. As we… Continue reading God is sovereign
Another reason why we say that The Son is eternally begotten
One important reason why we say that the Son is eternally begotten (eternal generation) is because this is crucial to our understanding of God as Father. Sometimes we may refer to God being the Father of creation in that he is the one who brought it into being. 1 Corinthians 8:6 says: “6 yet for us there… Continue reading Another reason why we say that The Son is eternally begotten
“Today I have begotten you!” Was there a time when Jesus was not God’s Son?
In a recent article, I responded to one Muslim objection to the Trinity. Because Islam relies on the same thinking as the Arians we might note that the concerns raised by them will be similar to the kinds of objections raised by other sceptics on the Trinity such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Another example of… Continue reading “Today I have begotten you!” Was there a time when Jesus was not God’s Son?
Unique generation? Responding to a Muslim’s challenges about Jesus and the Trinity
One of the big issues that Muslims have with Christianity is the Doctrine of the Trinity and the implications that has for the belief that Jesus is God. I thought it might be helpful to pick up on one of those issues. First of all, some Muslims have issues with John 1:18 which says: “ 18 No… Continue reading Unique generation? Responding to a Muslim’s challenges about Jesus and the Trinity
Why the doctrine of justification is crucial
I’m not sure if you are meant or allowed to have a favourite doctrine but if we are, then mine would be the doctrine of justification by faith alone. I think that this doctrine is crucial to our understanding of how other doctrines work and also to practical Christian living. In terms of other doctrines,… Continue reading Why the doctrine of justification is crucial
Holding tightly or holding lightly
Pick up something that is valuable to you. I worry that at this point many of you have reached for your mobile phone. Whatever it is, grip it tightly in your hand. What would happen if you were to hold onto it that tightly for a long time? Well, I expect two things would happen. … Continue reading Holding tightly or holding lightly
What has the Trinity got to do with public theology?
I was watching a YouTube interview recently where the interviewee, a theologian, argued that people aren’t really talking about The Trinity or other doctrines, especially outside of the Church. That’s why he and others are more focused on other cultural and political issues. However, I wonder if he is right? Surely a robust doctrine of… Continue reading What has the Trinity got to do with public theology?
The Good Samaritan and what Luke has to say about justification
There are two important clues to show us what the parable of the Good Samaritan is about. First, the parable is preceded by a question from one of the scribes: He asks Jesus what he can do to inherit eternal life and Jesus responds by discussing the commandments with him. The man rightly identifies whole… Continue reading The Good Samaritan and what Luke has to say about justification
Some apostles?
One of the big moves during my lifetime has been from a situation where it would be considered at best “fringe” to refer to some Christian leaders as apostles to it being fairly normalised. This came up significantly in my deep dive into Bethel, Redding. The New Apostolic Reformation has a particular view of apostles… Continue reading Some apostles?
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