Author Archives: Jay F Guin

We imagine that the Bible does not address Christians in a democracy because democracy was invented by America. Not so. Athens was a democracy (of sorts) going back to 507 BC. However, it only lasted until about 460 BC. Rome … Continue reading →

Richard P. Hays explains the theology of Rom 1 in more detail — Homosexual activity, then, is not a provocation of “the wrath of God” (Rom. 1: 18); rather, it is a consequence of God’s decision to “give up” rebellious … Continue reading →

I always get in trouble when I make this argument (like that’s anything different), but I’ve yet to hear a counter-argument other than “I don’t like this result.” I don’t like it either. But it is what it is. In … Continue reading →

So what is the Christian to do with these powers, rulers, and authorities? Serve them or defeat them? Richard Beck offers a third alternative based on his reading of Hendrik Berkhof’s Christ and the Powers (translated by John Howard Yoder). To … Continue reading →

This brings us to the obscure but important NT teachings on principalities and powers. (Rom. 8:37-39 ESV)  37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  38 For I am sure that neither … Continue reading →

A major theme of 1 Peter is that Christians are “exiles.” (1 Pet. 1:1-2 ESV)  Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,  2 according to … Continue reading →

Next, we need to consider some teachings of the Bible that we tend to ignore. You won’t find many sermon outlines based on these passages in Church of Christ sermon books — or in evangelical literature generally. We begin with … Continue reading →

I wrote a series of extended comments regarding the politics of gay marriage in response to multiple questions from the readers. I’ve re-written them a bit. We need to begin with some framing statements regarding God and humanity. I believe … Continue reading →