John 1:14, “The Word became flesh” At the center of the Christian faith is the doctrine of the incarnation, which confesses that the Second Person of the Trinity has taken human nature to Himself, binding humanity to divinity “inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly and inseparably” in perfect union to the Person of God the Son. One […]
Ezekiel 37:12-13, “Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am YHWH, when I open your graves…” The people of God will be raised from the grave of their spiritual exile only
1 Corinthians 2:10, “…even the depths of God.” The phrase, “these things” 1 Corinthians 2:10 refers to the wisdom of God, given by God, through which God is known and the soul is saved, namely, the wisdom of God revealed in the redemptive work of the crucified Christ. The crucified Christ as wisdom and power,
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Through faith-union to God the Son, wrought by the indwelling Spirit of God, a once scattered and rebellious people have become the unified and sanctified Bride of Christ. Because of the incarnation of God in Christ, the Church truly is bone of God’s bones, and flesh of God’s flesh, united in one Spirit with her
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The War of Love against the enemies of the Beloved ends in peace when the Beloved stands in place of the enemies so that the enemies might become beloved ones. Christ is crushed for us, slain for us, damned for us, and joins His people in the indignity of death…. But then—beyond all hope—the Crucified
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Based on many texts, but most especially 1 John 4:10. As self-made enemies of God, we all face the shattering power of God’s War of Love. However—from the overflow of that same love—God sent forth His own Beloved, His Image, His Word, His SON: Jesus Christ. In every way like one of the rebels (except
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John 17:21, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” The identity of God as manifest in the crucified and risen Jesus is the Whole around and in
Having bent our souls toward “Not-God” rather than God, we spiral into self destruction, running after everything we think will satisfy—except the One for whom we were made; and in this pursuit we devour each other, our world, and ourselves. But, even when our pursuit of “Not-God” doesn’t seem to cause harm (say, a peaceful
The Gospel – IV – Wrath Read More »
This third picture in a seven picture series is taken mainly from Genesis 3:6, but also has elements of Jeremiah 2:13. Humanity was created to enjoy and so to declare the excellence of the Triune God. That is what every longing in our heart, mind, and body exists for—as mediums through which to know and
The Gospel – III – Rebellion Read More »
This one is based on the Creation account, especially the creation of humanity in Genesis 1:26-27. God, who eternally enjoys the fellowship of Himself within Himself through the reciprocal love of Father and Son in the Spirit, now creates a universe through which He will externally communicate the excellence of His own internal life. All
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Here is picture #1 in a 7 picture series about the Gospel of the Glory of Christ. My hope is that these pictures can help to remind you of the “old, old story” and that they might be a resource to you as you communicate the person and work of Christ to others. This first
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Luke 22:42, “…not my will, but yours, be done.” Here in Gethsemane, the heart of Christ–which is a heart of obedience–is put on display. And the essence of that heart is encapsulated in these words: “not my will, but yours, be done.” Contrary to what some would say, this language does not point to a
Psalm 124:7, “We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken and we have escaped.” This was one of the Psalms that was sung during my time at the abbey of Gethsemani last week. As soon as I heard it, the attached image sprang to my mind. I’d
Isaiah 55:13, “Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for YHWH, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” With the resurrection, the thorns of our curse which crowned the brow of our King sprout into
This animation considers how incalculable wrath and incalculable love are inextricably, simultaneously, and harmoniously declared in the supreme revelation of God’s beauty: the cross of Jesus Christ. Discussion Guide
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Matthew 14:26-27, “But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke the them, saying, ‘Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid.’” The disciples see what they think is a restless spirit rising up
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the
Acts 20:35, “[the Lord Jesus himself] said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” It is happier, it is sweeter, it is more soul-healthy, it is more pleasurable to give than to receive. Pouring out is better than taking in, giving up is better than claiming for one’s own, releasing is better than
Revelation 17:24, “They will are war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is the Lord of lords an King of kings…” The understated simplicity of this verse is beautiful to consider. John is writing about nothing less than the culminating manifestation of worldly opposition to God, embodied in the
Psalm 43:3-4, “Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy,” The Light and Truth of God that break through the cacophony of fear and doubt and
