"Grande Christmas Blend for Shawn. Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino with a double shot. Earl. A tall for Debbie," came from her headset-flanked mouth. The voice, wrapped in a green apron, bellowed routinely amidst the caffeine-laden aroma. She stood aloof, her eyes fixed on the line out the door. Wedged between the clamor and boxed travel mugs… Continue reading Ashamed?
On our last evening of the fall term for Let’s Do Theology, I had the privilege of sharing my testimony with the ladies as I reflected on a hot summer's day in 1970. God has been gracious to give me detailed memories and it is good that I might look back on that time of… Continue reading Assurance of Salvation: Can We Know We Are Saved?
Pumpkins, gourds, and autumn foliage colored my recent days with thoughts of past generations. And, as my calendar flips from October to November, I reminisce this morning of holidays past. Thoughts of seasons filled with cinnamon-infused cider, bowls dredged in flour, wooden spoons dripping in corn syrup, and butter-smeared glass cups conjure family memories worthy… Continue reading The Flip of the Calendar
In systematic theology, we engage with God through doctrines that biblical scholars have systematically organized with supporting scripture, as well as those early church creeds and confessions rooted in the Scriptures. Many Christians push replay on Sunday mornings without ever coming to know how the details of faith and practice came to be. In its… Continue reading Pushing Replay on Sunday Mornings
While teaching Let’s Do Theology on Sunday evening, I was reminded that as Christian women in the year 2020 we are most often taught a mainstream theology of positivity and self-affirmation. In this cultural climate of you do you, we are tempted to skip past the hard parts of Scripture and dwell in those places… Continue reading We are Tempted to Skip the Hard Parts
Over the course of the next six weeks, my desktop will be cluttered with an array of systematic theologies. Wayne Grudem, Louis Berkhof, Michael Horton, and Millard Erickson will continually speak in the shadows of Dr. Gregg Allison's work on the 50 core truths of the Christian faith. As I thumb through the scholarly works… Continue reading What’s on My Desk and Why it Matters
