Monthly Archives: January 2009

Being the Family of God

Posted on January 31, 2009 by John Armstrong

Last week the Roman Catholic Church celebrated ecumenism and Christian unity. I listened to a number of Catholics reflect on this vital theme on Catholic radio as I drove to speak last Sunday, January 25th. I then read a number … Continue reading →

Posted in Unity of the Church | 3 Comments

The Illinois Senate Gets It Right, Now What?

Posted on January 30, 2009 by John Armstrong

The Illinois Senate did the obvious yesterday in unanimously voting to remove Governor Rod Blagojevich, our 40th governor. His impeachment and quick conviction was almost unprecedented in modern political history. There was no party partisanship in the matter and no … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 2 Comments

A Bold Decision Regarding the Mac

Posted on January 29, 2009 by John Armstrong

My cell phone contract was up on Tuesday. (I had used T Mobile for two years and found out it did not give me the coverage and service I wanted.) I knew I wanted a new provider, and chose AT … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | 6 Comments

The Wrestler

Posted on January 28, 2009 by John Armstrong

David Aronofsky's much heralded movie, The Wrestler, is a true gem. Understand though, the point of the film is not about wrestling, not at all. Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) is a washed-up professional wrestler whose personal life is … Continue reading →

Posted in Film | 1 Comment

The Problem of Systematic Theology, Part Two

Posted on January 27, 2009 by John Armstrong

Serious academic theology has a rightful place in the church. Make no mistake about this fact. Ministers need to be trained to be good students of the Word and of theology. This is mandated by a number of statements we … Continue reading →

Posted in The Church | 2 Comments

Obama’s Approval Ratings?

Posted on January 26, 2009 by John Armstrong

In a culture where we want "instant" everything even I was amazed to read today that there is already a poll out on President Obama's approval rating. "You have to be kidding me," you respond. No, I am dead serious. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture | 3 Comments

The Problem of Systematic Theology, Part One

Posted on January 26, 2009 by John Armstrong

Serious theology is generally done by academicians. This is good and bad. I thank God for humble, well-trained, competent academics who use their gifts in service of Christ's kingdom and the church. But there are immense problems with this approach. … Continue reading →

Posted in The Church | 4 Comments

Being Missional Is Not Limited to Church

Posted on January 25, 2009 by John Armstrong

We sometimes get the idea that being missional is only about a particular form or style of church life; e.g. emerging, etc. This is a mistake. Being missional is much more about adopting the attitude and message of the kingdom … Continue reading →

Posted in Missional Church | 1 Comment

How Christians Can Make a Difference in Politics

Posted on January 24, 2009 by John Armstrong

Some readers might think that I believe all Christians should avoid politics. Nothing could be further from the truth. What I do oppose is the way the Christian Right has engaged the subject of politics since 1976. This was the … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 2 Comments

Praying for Revival in Our Cities

Posted on January 23, 2009 by John Armstrong

One of the numerous opportunities that I am afforded for missional impact and input is in prayer movements for revival and city transformation. Most of you already know that the first Thursday of May is the National Day of Prayer. … Continue reading →

Posted in Renewal | Leave a comment