photo © 1929 National Maritime Museum | more info (via: Wylio) Tullian Tchividjian has written a wonderful little book called “Surprised by Grace,” which goes through the book of Jonah to paint a picture of a godly man in desperate need of grace. You really should consider reading it, it is a great book […]
In this chapter we’re going to examine another problem passage from the writings of Paul. Here is the verse: “Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And […]
As Christians, we believe the Bible. The whole message of scripture is the right message. There is no situation where we should be saying “they believe these verses but we believe these other verses.” We all believe all the verses. I believe that the perspective of grace ties all the message of scripture, Old Testament […]
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of […]
There is a passage in James that is a classic stumbling block to serious belief in the radical grace of God that Paul teaches. Even Martin Luther wanted to excise this book from the canon of Scripture, because he viewed it as being so antithetical to the message of salvation by faith alone apart from […]
Peter Rollins, my favorite heretic, in his book “The Fidelity of Betrayal,” shares the following story: There is an old anecdote that speaks of a couple planning to decorate their living room with attractive but expensive wallpaper. It so happens that one of their friends had recently decorated one of their rooms with a similar […]
I want to turn aside and take a look at Jesus’ famous teaching known to us as the sermon on the mount. It is one of the most penetrating explanations of God’s laws and ways ever given. I want to examine exactly what it says, and see how it fits with Paul’s teachings about the […]
I need to put one thing to rest. I am not advocating sin. The last chapter was a shameless ploy to shock you into thinking. The apparent notion that I am just giving people license to sin seems to be everyone’s chief fear when I talk to them. Pastors, friends, close people, people who see […]
Yes, you read the title right. After lots of dialog with people about God’s grace and forgiveness, who ask, “are you saying people can just SIN,” and, “what about hell and damnation?!” and such, I’ve decided to come out and admit it – I advocate evil. Since I believe in grace and mercy, that means […]
Tullian Tchavidjian recently posted this statement on his twitter feed: “What motivates our obedience determines whether or not it is a sacrifice of praise. Obedience to God’s commands prompted by fear or guilt is not true obedience.” This may be true, but it raises the question, what about all those verses about the fear of […]