Matthew 14–15 has a startling juxtaposition of the littleness and greatness of faith. It’s striking because it defies our expectations. When Jesus came to his disciples, walking on the water (Matt 14:22–36), Peter, for some unknown reason, asked Jesus to command him to come on the water. While successful with his first several steps, the … Continue reading Littleness vs. Greatness of Faith
Bates, Gospel Allegiance (2019)
With all due respect, I find Bates's Gospel Allegiance misleading. His so-called King Jesus gospel movement is a serious challenge to today's church. Please read my book review if you're interested in knowing why I must warn you about his work (Click the bibliographic information below). Matthew W. Bates. Gospel Allegiance: What Faith in Jesus … Continue reading Bates, Gospel Allegiance (2019)
Arrogant Sin of Rejecting Christ
Imagine traveling from Canada to, say, Japan by a paper plane. It is impossible. We need a passenger jet. Even with it, it will take more than ten hours. Imagine then you're flying from Toronto to Tokyo with your friends. One of them--let's call him Tom--however, shows up at the airport with a bag of … Continue reading Arrogant Sin of Rejecting Christ
Mysterious Centrality of Faith
Romans 3:22 (Codex Sinaiticus) Romans 3:22 is a condensate of the Apostle Paul's gospel; he compresses Christianity into this eleven-word construction: δικαιοσύνη δὲ θεοῦ διὰ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς πάντας τοὺς πιστεύοντας "God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe" Romans 3:22 shows that faith is central in Christianity. Faith is also … Continue reading Mysterious Centrality of Faith