by Brad Blocksom | Oct 9, 2022 | Evangelicalism, Messy Church, Politics, Practical Theology, Social Justice
I pledge allegiance to the Son, the King of God’s kingdom,And to the Father and the Holy Spirit, with whom He is one,One Lord, one faith, one baptism,With unity, mercy, and justice for...
by Robby McAlpine | Dec 22, 2016 | Discipleship, Evangelism, Practical Theology, Preaching, Revival, Social Justice
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord…” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with...
by Able Baker | Jul 7, 2016 | Social Justice
I live in Hardin, Montana. That is a long way from the shooting incident that took place in Minnesota (not just in a geographical sense). When I read the reports and saw the video my heart was broken. It involved a routine traffic stop of a normal man driving a normal...
by Michael Sterns | Jul 24, 2015 | Church Life, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Engagement, Ethics, Ethnic Reconciliation, Family, Forgiveness, Healing, Immigration, Leadership, Messy Church, Practical Theology, Preaching, Social Justice, The Vineyard Movement
Last week, I wrote on Rich Nathan’s discussion on biblical leadership which he gave at the International Vineyard Conference held in Columbus, Ohio. Now, I will try to highlight another speaker. During the morning session at the conference on Thursday July 9,...
by Brad Blocksom | Jul 20, 2015 | Devotionals, Healing, Practical Theology, Social Justice
John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life. whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, (ESV) This miracle, the raising of Lazarus, is really a climax in John. It is the last of the 7 signs in John. It also contains one of the 7 “I...
by Luke Geraty | Apr 28, 2015 | Cultural Engagement, Ethics, Ethnic Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Practical Theology, Social Justice
One of my children once made me so angry that I lost my temper and almost did and said things I would likely forever regret. I remember seeing her face and realizing that for the first time in her life, she was actually scared of me. It immediately chastened my temper...
by Brad Blocksom | Apr 21, 2015 | Church Life, Devotionals, Discipleship, Practical Theology, Social Justice
Luke 12:1b he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. (ESV) If I don’t tick off some religious people (11:45) perhaps I’m not being as much like Jesus as I should be!?! Following Jesus is an...
by Luke Geraty | Apr 15, 2015 | Church Life, Counseling, Ethics, Gender Issues, Politics, Practical Theology, Sex, Social Justice
Thomas Creedy wrote “An Open Letter to My Church Friends” in regards to a recent book published by Steve Chalke called Being Human: How to Become the Person You Were Meant to Be. Since anthropology and spiritual formation are such vitally valuable topics...
by Brad Blocksom | Feb 24, 2015 | Devotionals, Discipleship, Evangelism, Healing, Missional, Practical Theology, Social Justice
Matthew 12:20-21 a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” (ESV) Matthew provides this quotation from Isaiah as an apologetic/explanation of Jesus...
by Luke Geraty | Dec 5, 2014 | Church Life, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Engagement, Ethnic Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Practical Theology, Social Justice, The Vineyard Movement
As a Vineyard pastor in a Vineyard church who spends time with people who self-identify with the Vineyard movement, I often think on subjects through a “kingdom” lens. This is because our identity, both theologically and practically, are rooted in a...
by Luke Geraty | Oct 27, 2014 | Church Life, Gender Issues, Practical Theology, Social Justice
Two days ago, Oct. 25, 2014, an Iranian woman was hung by an Iranian court because she had the audacity to defend herself from being raped. According to Amnesty International, this woman was sentenced to death after a “deeply flawed investigation and...
by Luke Geraty | Aug 5, 2014 | Church Life, Messy Church, Missional, Practical Theology, Social Justice
My youngest sister has Down syndrome. Since her birth I have had many chances to reflect on disabilities, as well as consider how the church can better serve marginalized people. This has led to deeper thinking toward gender, ethnicity, and the general way in which...
by Luke Geraty | Jul 26, 2014 | Social Justice
You may not care much about football. Touchdowns, first-downs and tackling people may be as boring as watching paint dry. Yet if you are a human being than you should care deeply about the NFL’s latest example of completely and totally blowing it. Ray Rice, the...
by Robby McAlpine | Jun 24, 2014 | Cultural Engagement, Discipleship, Leadership, Missional, Practical Theology, Social Justice
The door of the dingy pub closed sharply behind them, perhaps aided as much by an aversion to natural light and fresh air, as by the damp and chill breeze that suddenly swirled down the street. Sealed now against outside intrusions, the effluvium of alcohol and a...
by Luke Geraty | Jun 4, 2014 | Gender Issues, Leadership, Marriage, Missional, Practical Theology, Preaching, Social Justice
I guess blogging is as good a place to be introspective and anecdotal as anywhere else, right? I’ve decidedly chosen to “think out loud” here at ThinkTheology.org for a number of years now, so this isn’t really all that new. I’ve written...
by Luke Geraty | Dec 1, 2011 | Missional, Social Justice
Today is World AIDS day… a day to not only unite in the fight against AIDS, be it through medical support, research, and financial support, but also to support those who are currently suffering from AIDS or who are close to those who are suffering (spouses,...
