Gospel in Chairs: A Beautiful Gospel 2015 Brad Jersak

...had to listen to this again this morning. Twas great.

That is a beautiful gospel, sounds much like the one I read :).

Jesus isn't "like God," He IS God!!! "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed." Galatians 1:8-9 The "Gospel in Chairs" is a FALSE gospel.

Every time I run away from God, I keep running into Him! - Mike Warkne ;-)

One more thing: if you haven't yet read Atonement, Justice and Peace (by Darrin Belousek) published by Eerdmans, it's a resource I'm sure you would greatly appreciate. It is probably the most thorough scholarly and biblical critique, from within a broadly Evangelical/Protestant tradition, of the problematic aspects of the predominant model for understanding the Atonement within Evangelicalism today, and the alternative proposed (restorative justice) seems to be compatible with the early classical patristic Christian (Catholic and Orthodox) understanding. (I haven't finished reading the book yet.)

Brad, you are articulating the crisis and questions (the very heart of how different theologies understand the nature and driving motivations of God) that mercifully led me into the safety of the fold of the Eastern Orthodox Church (Bp. Lazar's jurisdiction, in fact), eight years ago now (a decision that saved my spiritual life, I am certain). My overall journey (from Evangelicalism) took almost twice that long. Thank you so much for this and all the work you have been doing.

I also especially appreciated your comments over at the "Eclectic Orthodoxy" site reminding us of the story of St. Silouan you also present here. God is good, and not in Orwellian terms either (where his "goodness" is a banal tautology within a theology where God foreordains and wills evil and good alike--God forbid!). No, indeed! As you point out, GOD IS EXACTLY LIKE JESUS. When Christ prays from the Cross, "Father, forgive them. They know not what they do," this is also GOD, the Father, speaking through His Son! Glory to Jesus Christ! Thank you, again, for your work here and elsewhere. I am confident it will bear lovely fruit.