A recurring theme here on the blog over the years has been the idea that one of the major claims the first Christians made was that the gifts of the Holy Spirit, historically reserved for those with unique vocations of leadership, was now poured out richly upon the whole community of faith. But this is … Continue reading …Who Spoke by the Prophets
The other week, we looked once again at the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in, and faithfulness to, Jesus. It’s an idea that’s at the heart of Paul’s thinking and has inspired Christians for two thousand years. It has also, for two thousand years, been misunderstood as a license to do whatever we … Continue reading Paul on Grace and Sin: A Reflection on Romans 6.1-11
The Nicene Creed is, at least theoretically, one of the major forces that unifies Christians. But, as we will see today, its text has created as much division as it has resolved. Today I’m going to try, as best as I can, to summarize the controversy, which is about the relationships among the Trinity, its … Continue reading … Who Proceeds from the Father …
Over the past few weeks’, we’ve been going over the history, theology, and spirituality of the Nicene Creed, an ancient statement of faith that has been one of the major standards of Christian orthodoxy for close to 1700 years. Today our attention will shift to what it says about the Holy Spirit. In the original … Continue reading … And in the Holy Spirit
“The name of God is blasphemed among the nations because of you!” This biblical slap in the face, from the Greek version of Isaiah 52, is deployed by Paul in Romans 2 against those who attack others for being “sinners” while ignoring their own sins. And it’s sad to say that, after two thousand years, … Continue reading The Compassion of Christ: A Reflection on Matthew 9.35-10.8
Matthew Root 