We live in a world that prizes fairness. We expect to be rewarded based on effort, seniority, or performance. But in Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells a parable that challenges our human ideas of justice and fairness. In this story, a vineyard owner hires workers at different times throughout the day, yet he pays them all… Continue reading Grace Isn’t Fair, Praise God!
In one of His shortest yet most potent parables, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure and a pearl of great value (Matthew 13:44-46). In both cases, those discovering these treasures respond similarly: they joyfully give up everything to obtain them. This is the essence of the gospel—a valuable treasure that, once… Continue reading The Priceless Treasure of the Gospel
Jesus often used parables—simple stories with profound meaning—to teach about His Kingdom. But why? The disciples asked Him the same question in Matthew 13:10: “Then the disciples came and said to him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’” Jesus’s answer reveals something unexpected. He explained that parables both reveal and conceal the truth.… Continue reading Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables?
In the book of Galatians the apostle Paul spends most of the book talking about grace. He tells us how we receive it, the fact that we cannot earn it, and how we should live in light of the fact that salvation is by grace. However, in the first chapter of Galatians, he makes five… Continue reading The Apostle Paul’s 5 Gospel Declarations
Our Top 10 Most read Articles October marks our 6th anniversary of Maddening Theology, publishing over 300 articles on this site “attempting to make simple the deep things of God.” We actively work to build up believers and teach those who do not know God about Him and His wondrous salvation. Here are the top… Continue reading Our 6th Anniversary of Maddening Theology
There are a lot of Christians who were raised within legalistic churches who are very bitter concerning their upbringing. As someone who came from a somewhat legalistic background, I can relate. I also want to call you to not be bitter, and I am going to tell you why. First, you may not understand legalism.… Continue reading Legalistically-Raised Christians, Don’t be Bitter
This is a two-part series on the Christian heresy of critical theory. You can read part I here (link here). My contention is that critical theory is not just a dangerous ideology, but that it is Christian heresy. It attempts to replace God at multiple levels of Christian orthodoxy. The last post addressed the basic… Continue reading The Christian Heresy of Critical Theory Part II
Much has been said in our society about critical theory over the last couple years. The focus has specifically been on Critical Race Theory, but CRT is only one sewer line coming out of the cesspool of critical theory. This ideological view of race also has views on gender, sex, economics, and a variety of… Continue reading The Christian Heresy of Critical Theory Part I
Do you think Christianity is inclusive or exclusive? Who is allowed in and how are they allowed in? We need to understand that the cross of Christ is both inclusive and exclusive. HOW THE CROSS IS INCLUSIVE The cross is inclusive in that there are no barriers to who is invited, who is able to… Continue reading Is the Gospel Inclusive or Exclusive?
There is a modern cultural disagreement about the idea of speaking the truth in love. On one side we have people who do not believe in truth. (Well, they will say they believe in truth, but that truth is relative. If all truth is relative, there is no truth). On the other side you have… Continue reading Why We Must Speak the Truth in Love
