Across Church Street
It would be just like him
The God of the Bible looks like Jesus, the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. It would be just like him to go to the cross.
It would be just like him to go to the cross. The God of the Bible is a gathering God. A difference-crossing God. A forgiving, cleansing, and reconciling God. A friend-making God. A healing, restoring, and sanctifying God. The God of the Bible looks like Jesus, the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. (Heb. 1:3)
I and the Father are one. (John 10:30)
Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. (John 14:9)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
Syllabus
Jesus must be the go-to guy.
...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you... — Matthew 28:20a
It's tempting to teach people how to live Biblical lives. It sets me up as an authority—a master. But Jesus calls us to make disciples of him, to teach people to observe (keep, obey, guard) his commands. My primary job is to point people to Christ and tell them to obey everything he says. If they can't figure it out or don't understand, I can help. But Jesus must be centered. After all, the whole canon of scripture testifies about him.
Systematic
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. ⏤ 1 Corinthians 13:12
So many systematic theologies. All claim to be Bible-based, but they are very different, even divergent. Why? Maybe because systems aren't God's aim? God wants to be known, face to face – just as he knows us. He wants us to apprehend Love and give love, first to him, and to our neighbor. He wants us to trust him and to be trustworthy.
- love
- Holy Spirit
- humility
- church
- poverty & mercy
- politics & society
- mission & witness
- holiness
- parable & metaphor
- identity
- eternal life
- doubt & deconstruction
- leadership
- grace
- justice
- scripture
- spiritual life
- advent & christmas
- imagination & creativity
- technology & AI
- knowing God
- human dignity
- faith & trust
- incarnation & cross
- kingdom of God
- community
- reconciliation
- spiritual formation
- epistemology
- prayer
- gratitude
- culture
- creation & nature
- discipleship
I practice the spiritual discipline of rescuing earthworms on paved surfaces. It's a reminder to me that I can pause what I'm doing, get a little dirty, and help. Also, that I've been given the responsibility to care.