Monday, July 6, 2009
Add Comments Here (Week starting July 6)
I note that comments have started slowing down (though some great remarks lately). I expect we will reach a stage (perhaps soon) when this site has served its primary purpose and people feel like they've had the opportunity to express their thoughts on most of the relevant subjects. Until then, thanks for your input and keep the dialogue coming...
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Probably slowed as Stephen has leaned things up a bit. Keep this site going as the amount will depend on what Stephen says. Johno
ReplyDelete09/07
ReplyDelete"Who can get the devil out?" Here we go again...
And the exorcism craziness continues - this time in South Australia...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/07/2619409.htm
I'm sure the General would appreciate such a comment... revivial/manifesations, etc... not!
ReplyDelete"Piper v Wright on justification in Christianity Today seemed a little confusing. Sanctification (both process and crisis) clarifies their confusion".
ReplyDeleteI did wonder what Armybarmy is trying to say concerning Piper and Wright and their confusion. Having read the article the comment tends to show an unfortunately lack of understanding as to what the debate between these two is about. It is not about ‘sanctification’, but ‘justification’. Hence the comment is misguided, and somewhat confusing. Those who have read N T Wright will know that he also has a very keen interest not only in ‘justification’ but also the importance holiness/sanctification. I found Wright’s perspective on both subjects to be refreshing and helpful. I agree with Wright, that holiness is the lifestyle that celebrates and embodies new creation, a holiness characterized by self-giving love and forgiveness. Christian living is about living a holiness guaranteed by the Holy Spirit, that's why bodily holiness, not least sexual holiness, matters so much. Wright has this to say:
"The major theme which marks out Paul's theology of God's people as renewed by the Spirit is the renewed call to holiness. It is a holiness not defined by Torah [OT law], and yet in much of what Paul says he can draw upon Torah for outline guidance... It is, as the prophets always wanted, a holiness which comes from the heart; and it is a holiness which ought to make the pagan nations see who the living God really is. It is in other words, not simply a matter of 'now you are saved, this is how to behave'; it is a matter of the genuine humanness envisaged as God's will for Israel being attained through the Spirit by God's renewed people. It is summed up well at the start of Romans 12, in the appeal for self-offering and transformation trough the renewal of the mind, resulting in the mutual up-building of those who, though many, are one body in the messiah." [N.T. Wright, Paul in fresh perspective, Fortress 2005, p124]. I guess Armybarmy is confused because he doesn’t embrace second blessingism. WJE