by Luke Geraty | Jun 28, 2017 | Baptism, Charismatic Theology, Ecclesiology, Eucharist, Pneumatology, Sacramentalism, Systematic Theology, The Kingdom of God, Theological Studies
Below is a copy of the paper I presented at the 2017 Society of Vineyard Scholars’ annual gathering (PDF can be found here). I essentially argue that sacramentality is essential for Vineyard theology and praxis, especially the regular celebration of Communion....
by Robby McAlpine | Feb 8, 2017 | Charismatic Theology, Christology, Church History, Ecclesiology, Epistemology, Gospel, The Kingdom of God, Theological Studies
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16) Some people don’t like doctrinal statements, viewing them as a tool of oppression and exclusion. They would...
by Luke Geraty | Jan 7, 2017 | Ecclesiology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, Systematic Theology, The Kingdom of God, Theological Studies
One of my favorite worship albums is Jeremy Riddle’s “The Now and Not Yet.” This “now and not yet” theology was made somewhat “famous” amongst Evangelicals by the scholarly work of George Eldon Ladd, especially in his The...
by Able Baker | Sep 12, 2016 | Ecclesiology
Remember when ketchup was declared a vegetable? In the early 80’s Congress cut $1 billion dollars of funding for child nutrition. The USDA had 90 days to reorganize their standards under this funding cut. With a massive funding change the USDA needed to get creative....
by Able Baker | Apr 18, 2016 | Ecclesiology
There is a growing population of folks that say they are “Done With Church”. These people are being called “Dones”. I have friends that would identify as “Done With Church”. People might be quick to pass this movement off as a phase but it is actually more like...
by Robby McAlpine | Mar 31, 2016 | Charismatic Theology, Ecclesiology, Theological Studies, Worship
The morning began much like any other: the smell of fresh-brewed coffee, the sun peeking over the mountains to the east, the calm reflective time before the day began in earnest. Was he awake, or had he dozed off again? Which is another way of asking:...
by Luke Geraty | Mar 31, 2016 | Baptism, Christology, Ecclesiology, Multiple Views, Theological Studies
Throughout the 2,000 year history of the Church, the subject of baptism has produced a wide variety of approaches. It is essentially impossible to suggest that the Church has a monolithic approach to the topic because history proves otherwise. And while baptismal...
by Luke Geraty | Jan 4, 2016 | Ecclesiology, Pneumatology, Sin, Soteriology, Theological Studies
“Christians don’t need to repent,” said the young man. “Jesus died for our sins… past, present, and future,” he continued, “so you don’t need to spend all of your time asking him for forgiveness. He has already forgiven you!” According to this young man,...
by Luke Geraty | Jul 24, 2015 | Ecclesiology, Gospel, Soteriology, The Kingdom of God, Theological Studies
Pick up Crown of...
by Robby McAlpine | Jun 29, 2015 | Apologetics, Ecclesiology, Epistemology, Sin, Theological Studies
I’m worried about my friends. We’ve know each other for years, but lately, it’s like they’ve been sucked into a mind-bending cult. I know it’s a cliché, but they seem, well … brainwashed. They’re intelligent—well-educated, even—but independent thinking seems to be a...
by Robby McAlpine | May 15, 2015 | Charismatic Theology, Christology, Ecclesiology, Pneumatology, Theological Studies, Worship
“Our computers work just fine. I’m a generous person, that’s all.” The Barista tossed her head as she laughed out loud at the quizzical expression on the Elder’s face, one lock from her dark mane of hair falling over her face to augment...
by Michael Sterns | Apr 23, 2015 | Ecclesiology
We have very high ideals of people in leadership. The President of the United States is expected to not only be the political leader of the country, but he also must be the moral, social, economic, etc…I mean, why do Christians expect their Presidents to...
by Luke Geraty | Apr 23, 2015 | Baptism, Charismatic Theology, Christology, Ecclesiology, Eschatology, Eucharist, Pneumatology, Sacramentalism, Theological Studies
My early Christian experience was largely in church traditions that were about as far from any form of sacramentalism that one could get. Our family attended churches within the Evangelical and Charismatic movements, none of which ever used the word “sacrament.”...
by Able Baker | Mar 16, 2015 | Ecclesiology
Do you remember the first time your mom or dad handed you the car keys? I was 16. I remember the heavy feeling of freedom and responsibility churning in my stomach as I started my mom’s little blue Ford Ranger. The car couldn’t start soon enough and new chapter in my...
by Luke Geraty | Mar 6, 2015 | Ecclesiology, Theological Studies, Worship
Simon Chan, one of my favorite theologians, writes: “Because worship is the defining practice of the church, it “provides the primary source for the nourishment of the Christian spiritual life.” Over time worship will have a deep and abiding effect on the...
by Able Baker | Feb 26, 2015 | Ecclesiology
I love books, and learning new things through reading. So you would think it would be a natural fit. A large building with tables, books, artwork, comfy chairs, etc I wouldn’t consider myself a Library hater but a Library is not for me anymore. I have thought about...
by Luke Geraty | Jan 29, 2015 | Church History, Ecclesiology, Epistemology, Philosophy, Systematic Theology, Theological Studies, Theology Proper
Been reading Carl R. Trueman’s The Creedal Imperative. I love Trueman… even when I totally and completely disagree with him (which seems like 50% of the time). He makes so many wonderful points that are historically informed and hilariously obvious,...
by Luke Geraty | Jan 27, 2015 | Ecclesiology, Eschatology, Pneumatology, Theological Studies
Of contemporary Protestant theologians, Jürgen Moltmann stands among giants as he is considered one of the most influential and widely read systematicians of his time.[1] Though Moltmann was Professor of Theology at Tübingen from 1967 to 1994, he spent a number of his...
by Luke Geraty | Nov 12, 2014 | Ecclesiology, Epistemology, Soteriology, Theological Studies
Soteriology, the theological category related to “salvation,” is one that theologians still dispute over. Actually, pastors and lots of other Christians debate about it too. In addition to the ordo salutis (order of salvation) and nature of salvation (Calvinism vs....
by Luke Geraty | Aug 15, 2014 | Ecclesiology, Theological Studies
I attend a church. I am also a member of that church. In fact, I serve that church as a pastor. I often invite people to visit that church or to visit our church’s website. As you can tell, the church is a big part of my life. I love the church and spend a lot...
