I see it as a relationship - once I decided to marry my husband, then we began the process of learning how to live together and how to make choices for the other person. I could take the approach of, well I’m married, so I don’t have to do anything else. Love will conquer all. Or, well even though we’re committed I still have to protect myself and make sure I’m not taken advantage of. But once we choose to receive God into our lives, then we begin to learn how to relate to Him, doing the things He would do, caring about the things He cares about. And eventually it’s like being married, where we can’t fathom living life without them, and likewise can’t imagine living without Jesus because of who He is.
Thanks Richard for this post. As a Mennonite (in the evangelical revivalist tradition, i.e. Mennonite Brethren), I couldn't help but wonder if your question: "how are such distortions ('Vampire Christianity') to be remedied" might at least in part be answered by a consideration of the Anabaptist contribution to the Reformation? Was just reading the historical novel "Pilgrim Aflame" (Myron Augsburger) on the life and martyrdom of Michael & Margareta Sattler--and couldn't help make a connection between them in their struggle for a "free church" understanding of the Christian life, incl. the ethical commitments necessitated by it, and your piece here.
This is where my theology falls. You are hitting on a lot of the same points my friend Ken hits on. I find when most people read through this blog, they compare his theology to theirs and dismiss most of it. Ken does a good job of articulating his points for the most part, but without the discernment of the Holy Spirit, most brush this off. I’d suggest you start with the Definitions tab before diving into the weeds. It changed how I view my life with Christ and what really is the “new commandment”.
Hi Richard I resonate strongly with the central place if participation in the life of discipleship. This framework for the gospel is presented in a compelling way in Doug Cambells resent book Liberating Paul's Gospel.
I see it as a relationship - once I decided to marry my husband, then we began the process of learning how to live together and how to make choices for the other person. I could take the approach of, well I’m married, so I don’t have to do anything else. Love will conquer all. Or, well even though we’re committed I still have to protect myself and make sure I’m not taken advantage of. But once we choose to receive God into our lives, then we begin to learn how to relate to Him, doing the things He would do, caring about the things He cares about. And eventually it’s like being married, where we can’t fathom living life without them, and likewise can’t imagine living without Jesus because of who He is.
Thanks Richard for this post. As a Mennonite (in the evangelical revivalist tradition, i.e. Mennonite Brethren), I couldn't help but wonder if your question: "how are such distortions ('Vampire Christianity') to be remedied" might at least in part be answered by a consideration of the Anabaptist contribution to the Reformation? Was just reading the historical novel "Pilgrim Aflame" (Myron Augsburger) on the life and martyrdom of Michael & Margareta Sattler--and couldn't help make a connection between them in their struggle for a "free church" understanding of the Christian life, incl. the ethical commitments necessitated by it, and your piece here.
Abraham was justified at least three times. Off the top of my head we see it in Genesis 12, 15 and 22? And the Romans 4 and James 2 backs it up
This is where my theology falls. You are hitting on a lot of the same points my friend Ken hits on. I find when most people read through this blog, they compare his theology to theirs and dismiss most of it. Ken does a good job of articulating his points for the most part, but without the discernment of the Holy Spirit, most brush this off. I’d suggest you start with the Definitions tab before diving into the weeds. It changed how I view my life with Christ and what really is the “new commandment”.
https://grace-4-grace.com/
Hi Richard I resonate strongly with the central place if participation in the life of discipleship. This framework for the gospel is presented in a compelling way in Doug Cambells resent book Liberating Paul's Gospel.