Pressing in to the cross

We’ve been looking at the “3rd type” of legalism, which is a counterfeit gospel. Another way to see the difference between moralism and the gospel call to obedience is this: the gospel calls us to an obedience we cannot complete in ourselves, and so drives us ever deeper into Christ.
I’d written the paragraph [...]

Part of it is Joy

I’ve been “going on” for a few posts now about legalism, and there’s more to come. I realize it’s easier to point out wrong thinking than it is to describe right thinking. A friend once described it as trying to describe a cow for an infant, as you drive the countryside. You [...]

If my daugher were a Pharisee…

Some reader is going to think, “Doesn’t this guy know that women couldn’t be Pharisees? Sheesh! He’s going to get quite the comment from me…” Well, yes, and good for you. Pharisaism was disdainful of the ability of women to learn, thus Paul’s groundbreaking libertarian, “Let them learn!” in 1 [...]

Niké theology

Niké made “Just do it” a recognized slogan. It almost seems many preachers and counselors ought to wear T-shirts with Niké logos, and pulpits – like NASCAR racers — ought to sport the Niké brand name.
“Have courage (or “faith” or “hope” or “peace”; fill in the blank). You can do it. Here [...]

3 kinds of legalism

I don’t know anyone who cheerfully says, “I am a legalist”. I don’t know anyone who admits, “I really like Pharisaism.” And I don’t know any Christians who dismiss the gospel with, “We don’t need so much of Jesus.”
But I know a boatload of legalists who would be happy to raise Pharisee children [...]

Total Church

After reading a review over on Mark Moore’s blog a couple of weeks ago, I knew I wanted to read Total Church.  I’m only through the first section so far, so for a wider and deeper scoop read Mark’s review — but let me tell you that I haven’t read a “church looks like this” [...]

Give me Jesus or I perish

 
“Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich [...]

Is God present in tragedy?

So…had a few emails about my favorable reference to Piper’s take on the Minneapolis bridge tragedy. One of the most surprising things about getting them is that I had no idea that more than a handful of people were even reading this blog!
I know Piper has gotten some flack, from people I respect, about [...]

Wanted: more legalism

Found this great quote at “The Gospel-Driven Church” blogsite. Again, you should read the whole article, and look over several others while you’re there. Good stuff!
Here’s a partial quote to whet your appetite:
I have for a while believed that the generic Osteenish faith of popular Christianity is really just legalism warmed over. [...]

Wow… well said!

Mark Lauterbach is one of my great favorites in the blogging world. His are the most thoughtful, reflective, gospel-centered, Christ-energized notes. He outdid himself with this post.
Here’s a partial quote:
So, any accommodation of the Gospel to self-help is a denial of the Gospel. The Gospel is humbling because it treats us as [...]