Perfecting the Church
A Review – A Pentecostal Political Theology for American Renewal
Since the beginning of the 2016 presidential race Christians in America have anointed their candidate with a prophetic mantle. Christians on the right and left have espoused their peculiar blends of Christian faith and American politics, and of course since both are inspired of God, both must be right. But the division, which borders on ecclesiastical schizophrenia, has left the church with a confused voice. In the midst of the confusion, Steven M. Studebaker has offered A Pentecostal Political Theology for American Renewal: Spirit of the Kingdoms, Citizens of the Cities.
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Is the God of The Shack the God of the Bible?
If you’re cool with God as a white grandfather, then be cool with God as a black woman. God is neither. God is Spirit.
Since the publication of The Shack I’ve read and heard many discussions about its portrayal of God as a black woman. Since I didn’t read the book I’ve reserved comment. But I’ve been thinking about the images of God in the Bible and in Christian art and iconography.
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Reflections on the Lord’s Prayer
My Struggle with Prayer
I have prayed since I was a child. When I was a child, I prayed like a child. I recall one prayer in which I vowed to God that I would uphold “truth, justice, and the American way” if God would give me the powers of Superman. Other childhood prayers were more serious, like the time I prayed for my brother to come home from the hospital after he suffered an asthma attack.
Listening in the Spirit
When Jesus was prophetically speaking to the churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2-3), he concluded each message with these words:
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”