The Four Senses Train Christians to Read with Four Questions
Have you ever heard a sermon that explained what a biblical text meant in its original context, showed how it pointed to Christ, challenged you to live differently, and encouraged you with the hope of heaven? If so, you’ve encountered something remarkably similar to how Christians read the Bible for centuries. Though the medieval four […]
What Are the Four Senses of Scripture?
Why did early theologians feel the need to distinguish “senses” of the Scriptures in the first place? Denys Turner asserts that there are three reasons. First, Scripture itself distinguishes between the literal and allegorical senses. Even though the biblical authors didn’t fully outline this form of interpretation, they themselves distinguished between the literal and spiritual […]
What Is Christian Formation? Conformed By Scripture, Transformed by Grace
As we study the seven virtues in this book, we will seek Christian formation that is conformed to divine revelation and transformed by divine grace. Apart from divine revelation, we are in danger of sinful rationalization and satanic deception. Our loves are disordered: We do not esteem God rightly or honor his design.[1] Instead, we […]
Theological Triage
It’s a helpful principle for sorting out unity and debate. But how exactly does theological triage work? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the relative importance of first order, second order, and third order doctrines, and how the application of theological triage can help us with Christian charity and kindness.
Why Should We Seek to Glorify God?
Our kiddos have firmly planted themselves in the “why” era. You know the season—Why are we going to church? Why are we eating dinner? Why aren’t we having pizza? Why are we having pizza? Why are you going to work? (If you think I included too many examples here, you’re getting the point.) And inevitably, […]
A Brief Theology of Preaching
In Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ book Preaching and Preachers, he states, “The primary task of the Church and of the Christian minister is the preaching of the Word of God.”1 If this is true, then it is essential for both the church and the minister to have a thorough understanding of preaching. What is it? Who is […]
Why Am I A Southern Baptist?
Editor’s note: Recently, Midwestern Seminary & Spurgeon College hosted a chapel panel discussion on the topic, “Why We are Southern Baptist.” This article by Jason Duesing expands upon his comments during the chapel session and is based on his course lectures and essays written over the last two decades. Watch the full panel here. __________ […]
The People’s Christ
Editor’s note: Excerpted from A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles H. Spurgeon © 2024 by editor Geoffrey Chang. Used with permission of New Growth Press. May not be reproduced without prior written permission. Available for purchase at newgrowthpress.com. ~ “I have exalted one chosen from the people.” Psalm 89:19 Our Savior Jesus Christ, […]
Does Original Sin Still Explain the Human Condition?
The doctrine of original sin has fallen on hard times. Celebrated as more “positive” thinking, recent pop publications like Humankind: A Hopeful History propel the sirenic melodies of innate human goodness to an ever-growing audience. The past portrayal of original sin is attributed more to the 17th-century works of Thomas Hobbes than to the Bible, […]
The Mystery of Godliness
Editor’s note: Excerpted from A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles H. Spurgeon © 2024 by editor Geoffrey Chang. Used with permission of New Growth Press. May not be reproduced without prior written permission. Available for purchase at newgrowthpress.com. ~ Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the […]