Who was created to bear the Image of God? Is it only certain people or certain classes of people? Or is it all of humanity? In this episode, I give some context that helps us understand that all of humanity was created with this identity, role, and purpose.
Read MoreHave you ever wondered what it means to be made in the Image of God? In this episode, I give a quick rundown on the main views on what this means, and propose what I think the best understanding of it is. Of course, as we continue this series, I'll discuss a lot more about the Image, and how it ties in with the Gospel.
Read MoreIn this episode, a quick summary of the "Gospel of God's Victory" series we just wrapped up, and a look at the upcoming series, "The Purpose of Humanity and the Destiny of Believers."
Read MoreJesus's victory over death - and "him who held the power of death - that is, the devil" (see Hebrews 2), is central to the Gospel. As Paul argues, "if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is futile; you are still dead in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15), and "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." (Romans 4)
Read MoreThe connection between Jesus's death and the Passover Lamb is pretty well understood. In this episode, we take a look at another detail that connects Jesus's death and resurrection with the Old Testament - Luke referring to Jesus's "exodus" in his account of the Transfiguration.
Just as YHWH's victory over pharaoh and the gods of Egypt resulted in freedom for the people of Israel, Jesus's victory over sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness would - and did - result in freedom for all people who confess faith in Jesus.
Read MoreHow does better understanding the Gospel, and God's expectations for our response to it, help us think more clearly about how - and how not - to engage in politics?
Read MoreThe Greek word "pistis" (the word we usually see translated as "faith" or "belief") can also mean "trust", "faithfulness", and "allegiance". In this episode, I particularly explore the implications if we render it as "allegiance" - a proposal that makes sense given that Jesus is King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and God the Son.
Read MoreIn this episode, I ask the question, "Is the Gospel good news for everyone?", and look at how it is good news for all people without distinction, but not good news for people without condition. The Gospel is only truly good news for those who respond with faith/trust/allegiance in Jesus.
Read MoreIn this episode, I critique a view that is becoming more common - that we should use the incarnate Christ as our only measuring stick for telling us what God is like. Yes, it is one of our clearest views, but looking only at Jesus' earthly ministry ignores what the Son was doing before the Incarnation, and what the Son will do at the second coming.
Read MoreIn this episode, I talk about what it means that we already live in the Kingdom of God, while recognizing that we aren't experiencing the Kingdom in its fullness yet. We await Christ's appearing (often referred to as "the Second Coming"), where He will establish His Kingdom in its fullness.
Read MoreIn this episode, we look at Jesus' crucifixion as both a mock - and a VERY REAL - coronation. While those who crucified Jesus mocked Him as a failed rebel against Rome, a false Jewish Messiah, a pretender to the throne - Jesus was, in fact being crowned King of Kings.
Read MoreIn this episode, I look at a cool fact about Christmas that is hidden in “plain sight”, and that highlights our current theme - that the Gospel is about the victory of God!
Read MoreIn this episode, I look more at the context of "gospel" in the 1st century, and how the declaration of the Gospel about Jesus put Him directly in competition with Caesar.
Read MoreIn this episode, I look more at the context of "gospel" in the 1st century, and how the declaration of the Gospel about Jesus put Him directly in competition with Caesar.
Read MoreThis episode explores one of the many “gospels” that would have been in competition for people’s loyalty and trust, leading up, and during the 1st century - Hellenism (Greek language and culture.)
Understanding this is important as we seek to understand how people would have understood even the basic term, “gospel”, when Jesus and His disciples started preaching that the Kingdom of God was at hand.
Read MoreThis episode starts a new series - on the context of the term "Gospel" in the Bible - starting with the context in the Old Testament.
Read MoreIn this episode, I review what we've covered in the "Big Picture Gospel" series. Next up - the Gospel of God's victory and Kingship.
Read MoreIn this episode, I talk about one specific example of the good news - the reversal of Babel that God brought about at Pentecost. This brings a whole new perspective on the Exile!
Read MoreIn this episode, I talk about the Gospel in the Old Testament - the Good News that God told to Abraham, and how followers of Jesus fit into that story by faith.
Read MoreIn this episode, we talk about the big picture story of the Bible as a chiasm or “sandwich" - that God made creation for a specific purpose, and that God is bringing creation toward that purpose one step at a time. This story centers on Jesus - His incarnation, life, ministry, death, and resurrection.
Read MoreThe Raven Creek Social Club
