Theology of Glory and Theology of the Cross: Reflections on Maundy Thursday & Easter
Living Theologically Practical Theology for the Normal Christian
by Mike McGarry
3y ago
Maundy Thursday was a busy day.  In one regard, it’s the day when everything fell apart for Jesus. He lost everything. His disciples, his ministry, his safety. All gone.  And yet… We know the bigger picture. Jesus himself described this night as the hour for which he came. The time had come for him to be glorified… even though that didn’t look anything like what the people were expecting.  Let’s be honest: Who would’ve devised the cross as God’s way of salvation?  None of us. 1 Cor. 1:18 says, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are ..read more
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Why Would Paul Rejoice in Selfish Preachers: Understanding Philippians 1:15-17
Living Theologically Practical Theology for the Normal Christian
by Mike McGarry
3y ago
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. Philippians 1:15-17 It’s confusing that Paul would take an attitude of, “It’s all good. People are talking about Jesus! That’s good news. Don’t worry about it!” This is what I’d always understood this passage to mean. Afterall, Paul was writing in a time when Christianity was brand new and people legitimately ma ..read more
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Humility is the Gospel’s Posture
Living Theologically Practical Theology for the Normal Christian
by Mike McGarry
3y ago
Arrogant Christians should not exist. Of course, they do. But that’s a sign of God’s grace, rather than evidence that it’s acceptable. Pride and arrogance have always been vices for people of faith to overcome. Humility is usually held out as the solution. The Gospel and Humility A posture of humility and meekness is necessary for the Christian life. Afterall, how can you confess your sin and place all your confidence in Jesus Christ (rather than yourself) if you have never been humbled? Imagine a proud man (or woman) walking into God’s presence. That’s just laughable and silly. Instead, Chris ..read more
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Why it’s Good News that God Doesn’t Change
Living Theologically Practical Theology for the Normal Christian
by Mike McGarry
3y ago
During this pandemic when everything is changing, we need a solid rock on which to stand. A steady and reliable foundation for life, for peace, for hope. This is why it is unexpectedly good news that God does not change. If there’s anything that 2020 has taught us, it’s that no one can predict the future. Life changes so quickly today. Nothing is built to last. Planned obsolescence is baked into our culture. Trending news becomes next week’s ancient history. We need something (or someone) that does not change, and yet remains true, powerful, and life-giving. This is precisely why it is good fo ..read more
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Are Christians “Spiritual but not Religious?”
Living Theologically Practical Theology for the Normal Christian
by Mike McGarry
3y ago
“I’m spiritual but not religious.” “Christianity is a relationship, not a religion.” These are statements most of us have probably heard. The question for today is this – are these Christian statements? The gospel offers a different perspective on religion and spirituality that’s worth considering. What Does it Mean? When people say “I’m spiritual but not religious” it can mean a host of things. It can mean “I pray and consider myself a Christian, but don’t go to church,” or “I believe in Jesus, but not in Christianity,” or “I believe in a higher power, but think religion only creates unnecess ..read more
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Love Your Enemies
Living Theologically Practical Theology for the Normal Christian
by Mike McGarry
3y ago
One of the more well-known commands in Scripture is the command to “Love your enemies.” This was true when Jesus said it. And it’s still true for Christians today. The upcoming election and intense political strife of this season means all Christians need this reminder. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Jesus (Ma ..read more
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3 Core Convictions of GenZ’s Religious Worldview
Living Theologically Practical Theology for the Normal Christian
by Mike McGarry
3y ago
“Kids these days!” It’s an expression many of us have either said or thought. They seem so different from the way we were at their age. And usually, it’s not in a good way. (Although if we’re honest, we probably need to question the reliability of our memory of our teenage lives.) As we collaborate to pass our faith from generation to generation, it’s important to recognize the differences between generations without exaggerating them. Our core needs are all the same, regardless of age: love, grace, meaning, joy, hope, etc. At the same time, it’s undeniable that the culture we live in as teena ..read more
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Should We Forgive & Forget?
Living Theologically Practical Theology for the Normal Christian
by Mike McGarry
3y ago
We’ve all been hurt. We’ve all been forgiven. We’ve all needed to be forgiven. But I seriously doubt we’ve forgotten. “Forgive and forget” sounds good advice until you’re the one hearing it. When the conflict is personal and when the hurt is deep, it seems like you’re expected to do something impossible. And for the Christian, it begs the question: Is “forgive and forget” biblical? Does God Forgive and Forget? I am so thankful we serve a forgiving God! The Bible teaches that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “There is no one on earth who is righteous” (Eccl ..read more
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When Should Kids Take Communion?
Living Theologically Practical Theology for the Normal Christian
by Mike McGarry
3y ago
Before digging into this important question, let me unequivocally state that this post reflects my personal opinion and in no way represents my church’s official opinion. Also, please respect this is obviously coming from a Baptist’s perspective without turning the comment section into a debate over infant baptism versus believer’s baptism. After years of reflection on this question, as both a youth pastor and as a father, here is where I’ve landed. What Does Communion Mean? Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is an ordinance of the Church. That means it’s something Jesus directly instructed his ..read more
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Is Youth Ministry Biblical?
Living Theologically Practical Theology for the Normal Christian
by Mike McGarry
3y ago
This is a question that frequently comes up on youth pastor facebook groups. Perhaps that’s a surprise to non-youth pastors, but it’s a question most youth pastors have asked, at some point or another. Sometimes it’s prompted by critics who accuse us of usurping parents’ primary role in passing on the faith to the next generation; other times it’s an honest inquiry into the validity of their own vocation. My book, A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry, was initially named “Is Youth Ministry Biblical?” since that’s the driving question behind it. That also means it’s a bigger question than a b ..read more
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