Imaginatively Missional
Let those who are devout and who truly love God, take part with joy in this beautiful and glorious feast. Let those who are faithful servants enter rejoicing into the joy of their Lord. Let those who have labored with fasting now receive their reward. Let those who have worked from the first hour receive today what they …
There is one early Christian letter that stands out as a remarkable testimony about second century Christianity. It is included among the writings of the Apostolic Fathers and provides an early example of the defense for the Christian faith. It is something we often call an apologetic although not the common confrontation form. Rather, it …
Back when the color inkjet printer and image scanner were introduced to everyday consumers, many with nefarious intentions came up with the brilliant idea to print counterfeit money. Simply by laying a piece of currency on the scanner and printing the image onto a piece of paper, the money looked remarkably similar to the real …
Continue reading "The Early Church and Counterfeiting Jesus"
History seems to repeat itself in a continual cycle of recapitulation. While there is a temptation to think of our particular period of history as unique, a student of the past quickly recognizes common characteristics and patterns that appear familiar across time. The study of leadership theory is no less the case as we look to the past to …
Preliminary observations from ongoing research into the history of theological education in the early church Paul’s connection to the academy in Athens (Acts 17:18-20) and Ephesus (Acts 19:9-10) clearly influenced his disciples. The disciplines of careful observation of and dialogue with culture, reflective examination and application of Scripture, and informed engagement were critical to the …
Continue reading "Theological Education in the Second Century"
There are many cultural myths about Jesus; ways in which people have come to describe Him that arise from particular traditions. Often they are not matters of right or wrong, but rather expressions which have helped people relate to Jesus from their unique backgrounds. For example, in our sensitivity to race and ethnicity, when we …
The early church fascinates me; especially the practices of those Christians who were disciples of people like Paul, Peter, Barnabas, and Timothy–the first century giants of the New Testament who set the foundation for Christian belief and practice. I’m often curious about what their disciples did to carry on the work of the gospel throughout …
Continue reading "Looking to the Past to Move to the Future"
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