Author: Phil Rehberg

Problems In Theological Education – Where Is The Theology Of Maturity?

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This post is a response to an article that a friend referred to on Facebook. You can find the article here but it is not necessary to read it to understand this post. The article addresses weaknesses in theological education. This post is focused on critique more than my usual posts. Problems in theological education are issues I have thought about for a long time. My summary observation is that the split between doctrine and practice that developed in the Middle Ages still has a big grip on Christian theological education (“TE”) and is crippling TE. In fact, the problem seems to be growing. The author of the article says that TE should help students become “the kind of people who are disciplined into humility” etc. so that they can love God and the world. But the reality is that theological education puts only a minor emphasis on this. Read Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Our Sin Confirms Our Calling – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 (NIV). It is inevitable that we will disappoint ourselves with our sin. But when this happens we have encouragement from Jesus that our sin only emphasizes that he has called us to himself. Are we a sinner? Good, then Jesus calls us. He only asks us to recognize our sin and abide in him. He took our place on the Cross so God forgives our sins. Therefore, when we sin and when we recognize our sin then we can receive the peace that Jesus gives us (John 14:27 “my peace I give you” (NIV)). Our Future Perfect CommunityNovember 14, 2025God Will Show Us Mercy – Weekly Words Of EncouragementNovember 10, 2025We Have A Spiritual Resurrection NowNovember 7, 2025

love your neighbor

How Do We Know That We Are Loving God?

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After stating that the greatest commandment was to love God, Jesus said that the second greatest commandment was to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39, NIV). He also said “Do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12, ESV). Our love for others compels us to be the ones in our neighborhood who are known as the friendly neighbors always willing to help. Our love for others compels us to be the ones at our workplace who are honest, compassionate and patient with unreasonable bosses. In our recreation our love for others compels us to make friends, understand their hearts and be a source of encouragement. When we love others they aren’t bothered by our Christian holiness; they care about how we treat them. And Jesus asks us to go even further in the way we Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

We Live In The Kingdom Of God – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” Mark 1:15 (NIV). Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets predicted that God would bring his kingdom of peace, and love and holiness to earth. All that was ungodly or destructive would be eliminated. This kingdom would be led by a Messiah. The Jews then waited hundreds of years for God’s kingdom to come. The coming of God’s kingdom would be the arrival of utopia so naturally devout Jews constantly yearned for the kingdom. Finally, Jesus announced that the time of waiting was over. The kingdom of God had now arrived. But it didn’t come in its fullness because God wanted to allow for an overlapping time when the kingdom was hidden but available to those who would believe. Yet the kingdom was definitely here with power and love and holiness. This is our encouragement Continue Reading →

seated with Christ

Are You Living Where Christ Is?

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The dwelling place of our heart and mind is very important to our growth. This is why Scripture teaches: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Col. 3:1-4, ESV). Notice in this passage that our true life is now with Christ. We are united to him so our true life is where he is, which is at the right hand of God. We are united to him in death because we have died like he did. “One has died for all, therefore all have died” (2 Cor. 5:14, ESV). Continue Reading →