In this Advent season we pause again to consider the miracle of the incarnation—of God becoming man in the person of Jesus Christ. Born in humble circumstances to an obscure Hebrew girl, at first glance there was nothing to recommend the thought that he was destined for greatness; that he would, indeed, become the Saviour and Ruler of the world. Without the accoutrements … [Read more...]
Apostolic Mission: The Kingdom of God and the Cultural Mandate
The West is engaged in a war to the death. But this is not a war of guns and rockets. Rather it is one of ideas. The battle lines are drawn between two opposing worldviews: Christian Theism and Secular Humanism. The defining idea of Humanism is that of self-determinism. In the words of Protagoras, it is “Man as his own measure”. Despite God’s clear revelation to him, man, in … [Read more...]
The West in the Valley of Decision
Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. Romans 11:22 Like apostate Israel, God has given the West “a spirit of stupor” so that she has not seen nor heard (Rom. 11:8). Still reeling from the carnage of the twentieth century – … [Read more...]
Romans: Caesar & Christ—Gospel Declared, Part 2
EXPOSITION: Chapter 1:1-17 Purpose & Theme 1:1-7 — Paul's Salutation 1-2 "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures"—While possessing intimate elements, Paul's opening salutation (longer than any other Pauline epistle) is in the style of … [Read more...]
Romans: Kingdom through Covenant, Part 1
The question will be asked, why another commentary on Romans? First, because Romans provides the ABC's of the Gospel, it is Christianity 101. From the early church to the present day, it has been recognised as the foundational teaching of Christianity, providing the Bible's most complete statement concerning God's purpose for humankind, its fall from that purpose, and his … [Read more...]
