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Writing

Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.

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Culture

Sacred Work in a Secular World

Several weeks ago, a picture of a man working at Trader Joe’s went viral. At first glance, it was hard to tell what was worthy of note in the picture—a man simply standing near a cash register. It turns out, the picture went viral not because of what the man…

by Dustin MesserOctober 4, 2018
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Biblical Theology

Jesus on Sinai

Among the many allusions in the transfiguration story, one allusion, or rather, one group of allusions, is especially prominent — allusions to Mt. Sinai. The first and least obvious of the allusions to Mt. Sinai is the expression “high mountain” in Matthew and Mark and “the mountain” in Luke. Ancient…

by Ralph Allan SmithOctober 2, 2018
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Biblical Theology

Jesus’ Transfiguration: The Context

The revelation of Jesus’ glory at the transfiguration is one of the most important stories in the synoptic Gospels. At Jesus’ baptism — the inauguration of New Covenant baptism with the Holy Spirit and the paradigm for Christian baptism — God the Father spoke from heaven: “You are My Son,…

by Ralph Allan SmithSeptember 27, 2018
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Proverbs

Solomon's Argument against Living by Plunder

The first section of Proverbs (chapters 1-9) contains two lengthy descriptions of temptations that a young man should resist and avoid (1:10-19 and 7). The two temptations are recruitment into a robber gang and being enticed by an adulterous wife. I've argued before that these are the two perversions of…

by Mark HorneSeptember 25, 2018
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Eucharist

The Gospel Invitation

Is there a Gospel invitation? To many evangelical Christians, the answer to that question is an unqualified "yes." Some calvinists, reacting against the misleading character of the "altar call," seem less interested in inviting men to anything than they are in sending men away to think about the message they…

by James B. JordanSeptember 20, 2018
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Counseling

The Sacramental System and Counseling

Effective pastoral care helps people progress to maturity. Historically, the Christian church worked out the sacramental system to assist people with the various conversions of life. While we Protestants believe in only two sacraments, it is helpful for us to look at the sacramental system, because there is some wisdom…

by James B. JordanSeptember 18, 2018

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Philosophy

Culture of Interpretation

Roger Lundin’s Culture of Interpretation (1993)is a very thoughtful discussion of the American cultural context of postmodernism. He argues persuasively for a strong continuity between the Enlightenment and Romanticism (both look to the transcedent self, albeit in different ways, as the source of truth and values), and makes the case…

November 17, 2005

Eucharistic meditation, November 13

2 Kings 9:33-34: Jehu said, Throw her down. So they threw her down, and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall and on the horses, and he trampled her under foot. When he came in, he ate and drank. How callous, we think. How could Jehu move directly…

November 13, 2005

Tim-Tom the Tumblebee

Once there was a little bumblebee who was very clumsy. When he flew, he didn’t say “Buzz,” like most bees. He said “Zubb.” When he aimed for a flower, he often missed and found himself trying to suck nectar from a lamppost or a fireplug. And he was always tripping…

November 13, 2005

Exhortation, November 13

Churches have a life-cycle just as individuals do. Both individuals and churches begin life in helpless dependence, slowly learn to do things for ourselves, and eventually take responsibility not only for ourselves but for others. Trinity Reformed church was born in August 2003 as a church plant from Christ Church.…

November 13, 2005
Theology

Ratzinger’s record

Not long ago, Frank Schaeffer frothed out a piece of mind-boggling stupidity in the San Francisco Chronicle attacking Pope Benedict XVI as a fundamentalist. It says something about Ratzinger’s learning that he is the author of 86 books, 470 articles, and has been a member of the Academie des Sciences…

November 13, 2005
Theology

Ratzinger’s record

Not long ago, Frank Schaeffer frothed out a piece of mind-boggling stupidity in the San Francisco Chronicle attacking Pope Benedict XVI as a fundamentalist. It says something about Ratzinger’s learning that he is the author of 86 books, 470 articles, and has been a member of the Academie des Sciences…

November 13, 2005

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