by John Ellis This is going to be short (and not the totality of my thoughts about discipling). My objective doesn’t need a lot of words because it ain’t complicated. So, let’s get to it: Programs, action plans, and curriculum aren’t very conducive for discipling because everyone’s discipling needs are different. How can you plan/program … Continue reading Discipling 101: Maybe Have a Beer Instead of Doing a Book Study
Tag: Gospel
The Ten Most Read Articles of 2022
by John Ellis At the end of every year on my old blog, I would list the ten most read articles for that year. At the time, besides my blog, I had an actual writing gig, for which I was paid. Self-promotion goes hand-in-hand with seeking out writing gigs, and I was constantly looking for … Continue reading The Ten Most Read Articles of 2022
The Psalms Teach Us How to Cling to God When Hurting
by John Ellis God often uses hard providences to bring forth spiritual growth in the hearts and lives of His children. As the Apostle Paul famously promised to followers of Jesus, “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). And by “all things,” Paul meant“all things,” including hard providences. Sometimes, though, that “all” is quite … Continue reading The Psalms Teach Us How to Cling to God When Hurting
Church History: Ecclesiology and the Reformation (Plus the Awesomeness of the Particular Baptists)
by John Ellis (Originally written to be read/heard, this is the manuscript for the Sunday school class I taught this morning. I’ve edited it some to make it a little easier to read.) Before diving into Ecclesiology and the Reformation, I’m going to start with a pop quiz. It’s a one question pop quiz, so … Continue reading Church History: Ecclesiology and the Reformation (Plus the Awesomeness of the Particular Baptists)
The War on Christmas
by John Ellis The outrage over the supposed War on Christmas has long been supported by the twin pillars of misplaced priorities and ridiculous conspiracy theories. White evangelicals in this country have long – since their beginning – embraced a martyr complex combined with a love for conspiracy theories. The handwringing over the War on … Continue reading The War on Christmas
Our Definition of Patriotism Works Against the Bible’s Expectation of Community
by John Ellis Expressive (radical) individualism is a phenomenon that has long intrigued and saddened me. Our communities barely function as communities because our social imaginary is so littered with expressive individualism that the disparate parts rarely collate into an actual whole. As a result, our communities lack ontological realness. And the effects are obvious. … Continue reading Our Definition of Patriotism Works Against the Bible’s Expectation of Community
Church History: Sacerdotalism and Church As State
by John Ellis (This is the slightly edited manuscript for the class I taught this past Sunday at my church. It’s been edited for others to read instead of it being written for me to speak. Even with that, though, there may be places where it hits your “ear” funny because you’re reading something that … Continue reading Church History: Sacerdotalism and Church As State
Untitled
by John Ellis We’re one day closer to Putin launching his nukes. While it may not necessarily be inevitable, it’s likely not even probably inevitable, but the beats of history make it sound inevitable. That’s a bold claim – a thuddingly dramatic opening sentence, I know – but if you haven’t heard, Putin has begun … Continue reading Untitled
Kingdom Ethics: The Predatory Nature of Student Loans
by John Ellis Empathy is in short supply. As is the understanding of how profoundly image bearers were created to exist in community with and for each other in service to God. That lack of understanding blinds us to the ethics that derive from that ontic reality. Flourishing is found in Christ, but because of … Continue reading Kingdom Ethics: The Predatory Nature of Student Loans
Wanting An Audience Is (Can Be) God Honoring
by John Ellis I recently finished rereading Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis, who is one of my favorite authors. The book, a satirical take on Christian fundamentalism in America, earned book bans and burnings across the country as well as threats of violence towards its author. However, being a powerful and incisively cutting, if flawed, … Continue reading Wanting An Audience Is (Can Be) God Honoring
Practically Known Theology 