Monthly Archives: April 2010

Be Very Afraid

Posted on April 30, 2010 by John Armstrong

Robert Wuthnow is a professor of sociology at Princeton University and the author of numerous articles and books about American culture. His particular expertise has been in showing how America’s religious faith intersects with life in our culture. His writing … Continue reading →

Posted in America and Americanism, Books | 3 Comments

The Value of Travel

Posted on April 29, 2010 by John Armstrong

A few months ago (February 9, 2010) an interview in the Christian Century was made with a travel agent/writer who reflected upon the blessings of travel. I found a lot in his thoughtful piece that lined up with my own … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal, Travel | 1 Comment

N. T. Wright: Is He Really the Most Dangerous Theologian of Our Time?

Posted on April 28, 2010 by John Armstrong

From the first moment I heard the name of N. T. Wright, about twenty years ago I think, I was told to avoid him like the plague. Why? He was a dangerous man with a theology that would undermine the … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Theology, Hermeneutics, Justification and the New Perspective, Missional-Ecumenism, Personal, The Church, Unity of the Church | 5 Comments

Global Mission Must Become Mutual Mission

Posted on April 27, 2010 by John Armstrong

My own denomination, the Reformed Church in America, produces a monthly piece on mission for member churches to use in their Sunday bulletins. The March issue of Mission Today: Reformed Church in America Global Mission, had a particularly helpful look … Continue reading →

Posted in Missional Church, Missional-Ecumenism, The Church | Leave a comment

The Relational Unity of John 17:20-23

Posted on April 26, 2010 by John Armstrong

Biblical students and scholars have often interpreted John 17 in ways that deny the obvious meaning of Jesus’ prayer for our unity and oneness. Did Jesus intend for us to share in the eternal unity of the Father and Son, … Continue reading →

Posted in ACT 3, Missional-Ecumenism, Unity of the Church | Leave a comment

Could the Church Be Missing Its Spiritual Blindside?

Posted on April 25, 2010 by John Armstrong

I have quoted New York Times columnist David Brooks more than a few times on this blog site. I find Brooks to be one of the most insightful and helpful syndicated writers today. On March 29 he wrote a column … Continue reading →

Posted in American Evangelicalism, The Church | 2 Comments

The Boys of Summer Are Back

Posted on April 24, 2010 by John Armstrong

Spring is finally here and baseball is back. For me the two have been synonymous for as long as I can remember. Spring begins with "Play Ball" and winter begins when the World Series is over. I know many of … Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball | 1 Comment

What Great Work Does God Require of Us?

Posted on April 23, 2010 by John Armstrong

The way of Christ is a truly radical way of living. Our lives are to rest on two virtues: humility and faith. “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus lived his life, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Spirituality | 2 Comments

Becoming Fully Present in the Moment

Posted on April 22, 2010 by John Armstrong

A remarkable thing happens to us, and in us, when we learn to live in the present moment. We learn to live for him who died for us and was raised again for us and thus we live for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Spirituality | 4 Comments

Our Essence is Our Emptiness

Posted on April 21, 2010 by John Armstrong

A friend recently wrote that “our essence is our emptiness.” Our true selves are refined into gold by the purifying fire of life and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We are made to be divine chalices, human receptacles made … Continue reading →

Posted in Spirituality | Leave a comment