Lectio Divina for Spiritual Directors (edited) – Bradley Jersak
I happened upon a fresh form of lectio divina meditation specific to spiritual directors. It happened quite by accident, if there’s such a thing in the contemplative life. I had assigned my grad studies students readings from six of Paul’s epistles. They were to read each book in one sitting, summarize them in just a […]
Q&R – “DOES GOD HAVE ENEMIES?”
QUESTION Does God have enemies? RESPONSE What a fascinating question, and one I have thought about both theologically and personally. To answer it biblically, I am drawn to two important texts: Matthew 55:44 – “Love your enemies.” Romans 5:10 – “For while we were enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his […]
Q&R: Two Thieves & the Third Cross-Piece
Question: I have a question about the cross. I have seen what is called the “Russian Cross.” What troubles me about it is the symbol of the third wooden cross-piece at the bottom, because it contradicts my belief in apokatastasis (ultimate redemption). Can you help me understand the following explanation better or offer an alternative? “The slanted line […]
“Freed Will” & Ultimate Redemption – Brad Jersak
Freed Wills (contra the “free will defense” of Infernalism) Now, some like to say, while the Lord may not actually send anyone to hell, don’t we go there ourselves and lock the door from the inside (a la C.S. Lewis). They’ve transcended literalistic views of Jesus’s “depart from me” texts BUT insist on human free will […]
“Until he finds them…” Bradley Jersak
From Tracts to the Gospel as such I’ve been asked to create an evangelistic tract that updates how we share the gospel. Something that differs from Chick tracts, the Four Spiritual Laws, or the Romans Road, all of which propagated separation from God as our fundamental reality. I’ve been asked how we might share the […]
The Prodigal Bible – Bradley Jersak
Reader’s Comment I was reading Isaiah 40-45 this morning in my new Orthodox Study Bible. Thank you for the guidance to this translation. I am reading Isaiah with new eyes thanks to your ministry. It is so wonderful to read the Old Testament with the new knowledge that our God, my God, is always loving like […]
The Great Commission Reclaimed – Brad Jersak w/ Safi Kaskas
The Great Commission Reclaimed Bradley Jersak with Safi Kaskas “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. […]
Q & R: OT Genocide Texts & the Father of Love
QUESTION Since our Father is the lover of the human race how do I reconcile the genocide events of the Old Testament? RESPONSE Jesus revealed God as the lover of the human race so the genocide texts do not reveal the truth of who God is. Jesus revealed that God is the life-giver and not a […]
Q & R: Are Addictive Sins Unforgivable? (Hebrews 6:4)
Question: I recently heard you share part of your story about the love addiction that led you into 12-step recovery. I am struggling with a constant battle against unhealthy and ungodly addictive cycles that I know are sinful, I know I’m deliberately turning from the light and choosing willful sin. Because of this, I’ve worked […]
Q&R: If not penal substitution, why celebrate the Eucharist? – Bradley Jersak
QUESTION Once one has left a penal substitutionary understanding of the Cross behind, how do you understand the meaning of the Lord’s Supper? RESPONSE The Eucharist (which means “thanksgiving”) is a beautiful gift whereby I join the great banquet, one of Jesus’ favorite images for the Kingdom of God. This is the Passover meal that […]