After a long day at work, I would think I am entitled to a respite---albeit short---wouldn't I? After all, I put my time and effort into work. No one would object to my taking a break. Reading Mark 3-4, however, I realized that Jesus had been exhausted from his teaching ministry. Wherever he went, there … Continue reading Jesus, Too, Met a Storm (Mark 4 [マルコ4章])
What We Should Talk about When We Talk about What It Means to Be a Christian
I came across this 9-minute video by N. T. Wright where he attempted to explain what it means to be a Christian. I listened to it carefully more than three times, and I was stunned. I was bewildered by his sheer ability to describe what it means to be a Christian without mentioning the word … Continue reading What We Should Talk about When We Talk about What It Means to Be a Christian
How Can I Stand before the Holy God?
Jesus' atonement was, most of all, penal substitution. Christ bore the punishment for my sin in my place. What it means is that, on the cross, God treated Jesus as if he had lived my life and punished him for my every sin. Calvin thus calls Christ “our substitute-ransom and propitiation” (Thiselton 2018:94). That's why … Continue reading How Can I Stand before the Holy God?
When Tragedy Comes
One of the most besetting questions being asked is “Why does God allow evil and human suffering in this world? How would a loving and compassionate God allow such things?” Some are indeed serious about finding a satisfactory answer to this theological challenge. Others, however, seem to use this question as an excuse to dismiss … Continue reading When Tragedy Comes
The Culture of Stupidity
When you hear your own doctoral supervisor--and now your boss--preach about the power of the cross of Christ against today's culture of foolishness, it is indescribably touching. Yesterday (Apr 2, 2024), Dr. Stanley E. Porter spoke from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 at McMaster Divinity College's last chapel service of the Winter term. His sermon really got … Continue reading The Culture of Stupidity