What if our modern theology of politics is far too simple—and dangerously wrong? The Bible doesn’t paint a picture where every ruler is handpicked by God in a neat, predictable way. Instead, it reveals a cosmic drama of spiritual powers, human leaders, and seats of authority that can be used for justice—or deeply abused. To…
Did God make beings on other planets? And if he did, are they saved? I offered a few proposals to these strange questions at Nerd Church this week. Check out this podcast episode on 1208GREENWOOD’s webpage or simply subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Play. You can also continue the conversation with my…
Paul tells us that, “None of the rulers of this age understood this [secret and hidden wisdom of God], for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory“ (1 Cor 2:8). This is important to note because we often act as though Satan knew God’s plan all along, but the truth…
As someone once said, “The women are last at the cross and first at the tomb.” Their faithfulness is deeply and counter-culturally rewarded. Check out this podcast episode on 1208GREENWOOD’s webpage or simply subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Play.
While we can understand parables logically to some extent, Jesus told us that we actually need the “Secret of the Kingdom of God” to fully understand (Mark 4:11). That’s a very intriguing phrase right there and it leaves us wondering what Jesus is talking about. To find the answer, we need to first understand how…
In church one Sunday I asked people why they thought Jesus spoke in parables. Many of the answers were to be expected: People like stories; stories can more effectively communicate a point; stories cause us to think; stories stick with us; and so on. While I believe that all of these statements carry truth, none…
Extravagant experiences do not automatically make you a better Christian. In fact, we’ve all heard of powerful Charismatic preachers who have had affairs or embezzled money. Many cessationists are quick to jump on such leaders and say, “See! Everything they ever did was a lie! God wouldn’t perform miracles through such a sinner!” But that’s…
Sometimes we can get so focused on the spectacular things that the Holy Spirit does that we miss some of the simpler and normal things He has to offer us. For some, everything becomes about extravagance and normal life ceases to exists. They begin to think that if the Holy Spirit is going to do…
Since Revelation is not proposing that in the end we leave Earth to rot and burn, but that it will be redeemed and made new, we should really start to care more about our little planet. Rather than turn Revelation into predictions about when God’s coming back, we should start to use it to recognize…
While the Bible writers often assumed that the last days would be shorter, they still believed that they were living in the last days (He 1:2). The Kingdom of Heaven and its king, Jesus, were inaugurated on the cross—and now we wait for His return to bring the Kingdom into its fullness. It is here,…
The problem with physical bodies is that they don’t belong in the spiritual realm, for the spiritual realm is for spirits. So if Paul truly believed that Christians would be taking on new imperishable bodies raised in glory and power (1 Corinthians 15), then how did he expect this to all work out on paper?…
Jamin Bradley 