Monthly Archives: February 2012

We are Being Saved: The Word of the Cross

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Mark Love

As we noticed in our previous post, in three places, Paul uses the phrase “being saved.” In all three of those texts, there is an emphasis on the death of Jesus. For those being saved, the word of the cross … Continue reading →

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We Are Being Saved: the promise of the pesky

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Mark Love

The journey to new insight often follows the path of a pesky phrase. You know, that one phrase that doesn’t quite fit into your understanding of things. It’s the anomaly that suggests that things may not be what they appear. … Continue reading →

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The Gospel and Cultures: The location of the gospel story

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Mark Love

This piece is written primarily for the benefit of my grad students who are taking an online class, Gospel and Cultures. I think it’s pretty important stuff for all of us to think about though. So, you get to read … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, hermeneutics, missional theology, theology | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Saturday Tracks: Songs for Tough Times

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Mark Love

Last week’s long run came to an abrupt halt right at the two mile mark. Sharp pain just below my left knee. My left knee has bothered me since I dislocated my knee cap as a kid. Five years ago, … Continue reading →

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You Are a Theologian: Be a Good One

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Mark Love

Here’s my bold claim of the day: theology is about God. I’ll give you a minute to gather yourself. How about them Red Wings? Ok, let me see if I can make the claim a little bolder. Theology is not … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian practice, theology | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Lent: Making Room

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Mark Love

Today on Facebook, my “friends” have begun to report those things they’re giving up for Lent. One is giving up beef, another watching the Big Bang theory, another Facebook (gasp), another caffeine. I think some have given up reading my … Continue reading →

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Mercy, Not Sacrifice: The Missional Imperative

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Mark Love

In Matthew 9, Jesus challenges the Pharisees, “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” A few chapters later, the Pharisees find themselves on the wrong side of a dispute about the law with Jesus. There he … Continue reading →

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How to Read Your Bible More Better, Drei

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Mark Love

Beyond all the techniques for reading, the most important thing you bring to the text is questions. The kinds of questions you ask of a text determine to a large extent the kinds of answers you get back. So, in … Continue reading →

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Saturday Tracks: Dylan Covers

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Mark Love

In an age when austerity might increasingly be the new normal, one thing is not in short supply. Dylan covers. I was recently given the new 4-cd compilation of Dylan covers benefitting the work of Amnesty International. 73 covers. 73 … Continue reading →

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How Better to Read the Bible, Deuce

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Mark Love

Slow down. Read longer sections. This piece of two-fold advice runs counter to our ADD culture.We want to dip into the Bible, grab a nugget of inspiration and get on with our day. Problem is, not much of the Bible … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian practice, hermeneutics, Scripture | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments