Because we are new creation... it’s hard to look upon your kids, your spouse, your neighbor, your fellow congregant, see Christ, and stay mad for very long!
In with the New!
Take Heart!
What is predestination? How can we believe such things, yet preach the new birth? Isn't faith really about our choices?
Conversion
Being born again can be thought of as conversion. However, we should never forget that conversion is ongoing. We are being refashioned, daily, into Christ's image.
Experiencing New Birth
How do we experience the new birth? Is there a formula? Or, rather, is it God's free gift promised to us in baptism? Where do we go to seek it out?
The New Birth
Do Presbyterians/Reformed Christians believe in being "born again?" What does that mean, anyway? Here's a shot at explaining our approach to the question.
Called by Name
...what life-altering faith requires is Jesus speaking our name, calling us in the power of the Spirit to see and to know that his is risen, and that we are his. The initiative always belongs to God in Christ Jesus.
Sin or sins?
If you've ever wondered what sin is, here is my best shot at giving you a brief overview based, largely, on excerpts from the book of Romans.
Losing Control
He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. –Colossians 1:17 As I detailed last week, I often pride myself on being prepared and having a plan. I also pride myself on doing what I say I’m going to do. When preparations aren’t enough, and you fall short, what is your …
Simul justus et peccator
The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. —1 John 4:21 I was all set to go. I had a topic for the newsletter's “Word from the Pastor.” I was sure the topic was of pressing concern. I had outlined the essay, lined up …
Welcome to the Fight
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.—1 Peter 4:8 This month, I've been spending some time talking about the concept of "Spiritual Warfare" with my congregation. I've been using the book of Revelation to frame this concept, along with passages from 1 Timothy and Ephesians. That said, …
