Deus Misereatur

Theology as Discipleship by Keith L. Johnson My rating: 5 of 5 stars Somewhere, somehow, doctrine and deportment, creed and conduct had a falling out and then took different routes. Though they will occasionally cross paths at a fellowship meal or in the church foyer, their meeting is often tense and strained. Onlookers will notice the forced smiles between the two parties as they try to play nice, but it’s clear to all that the relationship has significant stress-fractures. Yet, just as obvious is that the two belong together like a key and a lock. Keith L. Johnson, associate professor of theology at Wheaton College, has recently published a new 192 page paperback showing how the two belong together and never should have been separated. “Theology as Discipleship” is written with young undergraduates and non-technical readers in mind, demonstrating how “the discipline of theology and a life of discipleship” are “integrally related” in our “participation in the life of God” (12). Joh...

In preparation for my sermon on Matthew 15, I had to pause and think over the trouble with “the tradition of the elders” being set up here (1-6) to be shot down. What is it about “tradition” that’s the issue? In Matthew 15.1-2 the “Faith-Faultfinders” (Pharisees and their scribes) come to Jesus doing what they do best – carping and complaining, griping and grousing. They come to Jesus, not to hear from him, not to receive his Gospel and Goodwill way, but to throw into his face that his followers aren’t living up to their long-established “standards” of social sanctity. Now before we mishandle what’s here, understand that there’s nothing inherently wrong with tradition and traditions. Traditions are shaping, defining teachings that are passed on from one generation to the next. Standing at the National Anthem, placing your hand over your heart, and singing or being silent, is a tradition. Even the New Testament has traditions. Paul writes to the young church at Thessaloniki,...

Sunday Morning: Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Lord, please hear us and for Christ‘s sake answer us. O God Most High, who uses our trials and the testing of our faith to bring about steadfast endurance in us, we ask you to lift up those who are dispirited in body or mind, those who are grieved or terribly troubled with fear and anxiety, and those who are walking through troubled times in home and health. We especially ask your care for these….grant them recovery and restored health. O Lord of the Harvest: have regard to the prayers of your servants in this congregation; send us forth as laborers into your harvest; fit and prepare us by your grace for our vocation and ministry; increase in us the Spirit of power, love and a sound mind; strengthen us to endure hardships as good soldiers of Jesus Christ; and grant that your Holy Spirit may prosper our work, that by our life and doctrine we may show forth your glory and bring forward the sal...