Downward Not Southward

I wrote this paper for one of my current classes: Systematic Theology 2: Christology and Soteriology with Veli-Matti Karkkainen. The topic I chose: "How can we form a doctine of Sanctification for today?" I'll get my grade in a few weeks...but until then...In my first podcast I invite you to think of the doctrine of sanctification as one that not only has importance for the redeemed individual, but also real implications for creation in its entirety. Doing so will influence our views of the present and future state of humanity and the world (whether it is ultimately getting better or worse as time progresses) and hopefully provide us with both a new outlook of optimism and a reason to live out the teachings of Jesus.You can listen to or download an MP3 of the podcast by clicking here or you can subscribe using the button in the right-side column and let iTunes do the work (automatically download this paper and all future podcasts).Terms to know...Sanctification: The process of becoming holy or free from sinDeification: A complicated term that basically refers to the completion of the act of sanctification (perfection not in the sense of becoming God but of being like God (sin-free) in every way except in essence) John Wesley argued that it was possible for human beings to reach this point in this life (though only momentarily). Others disagree.Feedback and questions will always be appreciated. Enjoy!(If you are seeing this on Facebook, click "View Original Post" below)music by: The Album Leaf

The Kingdom of God (interchangeably spoken of as the Kingdom of Heaven) is one of the most misunderstood teachings of Jesus - which is unfortunate since it was the foundational concept that supported all of his teachings and actions. I think most people would just assume that the kingdom references in the gospels point to the traditional idea of "Heaven." (i.e. the place we go when we die, angels, worship, etc). All of this is off target. I wrote this short six pager a year ago (February 2008) for an assignment in a gospels class. We were challenged to read through each gospel in one sitting, beginning to end, while keeping an eye out for - and making notes on - how Jesus described the kingdom of God/Heaven. Though I know that I could articulate my thoughts better today than I could one year ago (this is the oldest paper I'll be posting), I want to put this up as a starting point for discussion.N.T. Wright often uses the language of the "veil;" especially in his book Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship. Dallas Willard's Divine Conspiracy, Richard Horsley's Jesus and Empire, Brad Young's Jesus the Jewish Theologian are also great reads that touch on this subject. I reference most of these in this podcast.You can listen to or download an MP3 of the podcast by clicking here or you can subscribe to my podcast via ITUNES using the button in the right-side column (which will automatically download the podcast).(If you are seeing this on Facebook, click "View Original Post" below)music by: Early Day Miners