A few months ago a post circulated Instagram in which Jesus was described as a “victim” of the cross. The idea was that Jesus never intended to be a sacrifice – He was victimized by the violence of society and set an example of love through His death. What many people don’t know is that this Instagram post wasn’t a one-off postulation by an influencer. It’s actually an entire theory on the atonement!
A few weeks ago I answered questions about hospitality on Instagram. The questions and my answers were not saved, so I am sharing some of what I said here in a blog post for permanent reference! The topic of hospitality is near and dear to my heart. I truly believe it is both a lost art and a gospel mandate; people are most comfortable opening up their hearts and lives in context of a home. Further, most Christians know they should share and live their faith in community, but because hospitality is not prioritized, this faith-sharing never actually happens.
“Put simply, the contemplative life is the steady gaze of the soul upon the God who loves us. It is ​“an intimate sharing between friends,” to use the words of Teresa of Avila.” That’s how contemplation is described by Renovare, the ministry founded by spiritual disciplines expert and lifelong pastor, Richard Foster.Â
![Ask Anything Q&A: Jewish Feasts, Friendships with Non-Christians [Transcribed]](https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/wp-content/uploads/roberto-nickson-vRAYwESFc-U-unsplash-400x250.jpg)
Every few episodes in our current podcast series is a quick compilation of Ask Anything Monday questions. I answer these rapid fire, covering a range of ideas and topics sent in by you! In this episode, we talk about:
dating for experience versus dating for marriage
friendships with non Christians
why charismatics are accused of being New Age
the origins of Mennonite churches
Francis Schaeffer is credited with saying, “Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world.” There is something monstrous about a gospel obscured with condescension. There is a bitter aftertaste to cancel-culture Christianity. And yet… how do we know when something should genuinely be rejected as heretical or heterodox? There are guiding principles to Christianity, truths defended and held for thousands of years. These are not to be lightly taken. Can we hold to biblical orthodoxy without losing our hearts?
The terms Reformed and Calvinist, though not the same, are often used interchangeably. So if you have been introduced to “reformed” theology, this would be a good listen for you. If you are a Calvinist who has been taught that Arminians compromise the gospel or are “semi-Pelagian”, I would also encourage you to listen! You might be surprised at what Arminius actually taught.
I have followed Mike Winger for years now and am constantly blessed by his dedication to truth and his gracious way in presenting it. Recently, Pastor Mike has been working on a scholarly project regarding Brian Simmons’ Passion Translation, inviting Old Testament and New Testament scholars to speak to the book and its usage of Hebrew and Greek.
![Relational Barrenness, Singleness, & Discipleship [The Women’s Issues Series]](https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/wp-content/uploads/jess-bailey-K9BOrwoFVYc-unsplash-400x250.jpg)
Why is singleness treated like a second class status? Or a holding pattern until life really begins?
Is contentment an equation to get a relationship?Â
Is singleness really a gift?
How can marrieds bless the singles in their lives?
![How God Sees My Body [The Women’s Issues Series]](https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/wp-content/uploads/septian-simon-OWSC2LRuO8U-unsplash-400x250.jpg)
In this episode of the women’s issues series on Verity, we talk about the biblical view of the body, why it plays into the theology of resurrection, and how it affects our view of female sexuality.