Idolatry has plagued humanity from its earliest days. Whether crafted in gold or conceived in the heart, idolatry is the soul’s attempt to reimagine God according to its own desires. The Israelites, newly redeemed from Egyptian slavery, needed this warning: "You shall not make for yourself a carved image" (Deut 5:8). They had seen idolatry … Continue reading The Loving God and the Foolishness of Idolatry
God
Beyond The Believers Lingering Atheism
In every human heart lurks a shadow of doubt. The Puritan theologian Thomas Ridgley captured this well when he said, “There is a great deal of atheism in our hearts; by reason of which we are prone sometimes to call in question the being, perfections, and providence of God. The devil also frequently injects atheistic … Continue reading Beyond The Believers Lingering Atheism
Focus on What You Can’t See: What Does the Bible Say God Is Like?
In our visually-driven age, we're constantly surrounded by things clamoring for our attention. Social media, TV, billboards, and smartphones all compete to capture our gaze. Tony Reinke's book, Competing Spectacles, investigates the effect of these visual distractions on our spiritual lives. He argues that these spectacles vie for our time, focus, and ultimately, our worship. … Continue reading Focus on What You Can’t See: What Does the Bible Say God Is Like?
Rediscovering Divine Blessedness: The Key to True Comfort and Joy
For millennia, Christians sung of God's attributes – His infinity, power, and justice. God is the "Fount of Every Blessing" that tunes our heart for praise. Yet, it is a melody which often goes unheard today. The hymns of Divine blessedness should return when we return to a Scriptural view of God's nature. Scripture portrays … Continue reading Rediscovering Divine Blessedness: The Key to True Comfort and Joy
How will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
In considering the gift of the Holy Spirit, it is essential to grasp its true essence—a divine and relational presence accomplished spiritually rather than a physical presence reduced to a mere tangible entity or set of abilities. After all, a non-corporeal (non-physical) omnipresent Spirit is already everywhere. The question is how does the Spirit relate … Continue reading How will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
The Holy Spirit: Divine Creator, Life-Giver, and Teacher
The theology of the Holy Spirit entails three profound areas of focus: his deity, his work as Life-Giver, and Teacher. Firstly, the Holy Spirit is recognized as true God. This divine essence shines through from the very outset of Scripture, where the Spirit of God is seen moving over the waters during creation (Genesis 1:2). … Continue reading The Holy Spirit: Divine Creator, Life-Giver, and Teacher
God’s Unshakeable and Unborrowed Joy: Rediscovering Divine Blessedness
Imagine a happiness so complete, so fulfilling, that it casts no shadow and no darkness could effect it. Imagine a joy so profound it permeates every fiber of your being, a wellspring of contentment untouched by life's inevitable storms. That's the essence of divine blessedness, a concept that once held a central place in Christian … Continue reading God’s Unshakeable and Unborrowed Joy: Rediscovering Divine Blessedness
Theology on the Cross: Exploring Psalm 22 and the Cross
”My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” If our reading ventures no further than Matthew 27:46, we may begin to see Christ as totally alone and rejected as he bore the penalty of sin. However, this understanding is more difficult as we venture further into Scripture. Jesus’ Cry and Psalm 22 While on … Continue reading Theology on the Cross: Exploring Psalm 22 and the Cross
Does God the Son Rank Lower Than God the Father???
Since there is one divine essence (Deut 6:4; Js 2:19), there is no division or submission in the divine Persons. The Father, Son, and Spirit exist and act with one undivided and inseparable substance. The entire Trinity shares the same honor, authority, power, eternity, and mind. The Father, Son, and Spirit have no distinction in … Continue reading Does God the Son Rank Lower Than God the Father???
Mystery and Methodology: Thinking About God and Worship
Up now, slight man! flee, for a little while, thy occupations; hide thyself, for a time, from thy disturbing thoughts. Cast aside, now, thy burdensome cares, and put away thy toilsome business. Yield room for some little time to God; and rest for a little time in him. Enter the inner chamber of thy mind; … Continue reading Mystery and Methodology: Thinking About God and Worship
Donnie's Dogmatics 