Author: Kirk E. Miller

RECOMMENDED: Russell Moore on the Eric Garner Case

Kirk E. Miller

Russell Moore, of ERLC, made this statement about the Eric Garner Case:

I’m stunned speechless by this news. We hear a lot about the rule of law—and rightly so. But a government that can choke a man to death on video for selling cigarettes is not a government living up to a biblical definition of justice or any recognizable definition of justice. We may not agree in this country on every particular case and situation, but it’s high time we start listening to our African American brothers and sisters in this country when they tell us they are experiencing a problem.

For those of us in Christ, we need to recognize that when one part of the Body of Christ hurts, the whole Body of Christ hurts. It’s time for us in Christian churches to not just talk about the gospel but live out the gospel by tearing down these dividing walls not only by learning and listening to one another but also by standing up and speaking out for one another.

Source.

Conflict Between Jesus and the Disciples in Mark

Kirk E. Miller

The following is a paper submitted to Dr. Joshua W. Jipp in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course NT 6211, Synoptic Gospels and Johannine Literature, at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, October, 2014.

Conflict between Jesus and the disciples is a prevalent theme in Mark’s gospel. But why does Mark repeatedly highlight this conflict? What is its significance? What purpose does it serve in Mark’s message and presentation of Jesus? This paper will seek to answer these questions by tracing the theme of conflict through three narrative sections, noting its development and rhetorical significance at each stage.

Galilean Ministry (1:14-8:21)

A lack of understanding among the disciples characterizes the conflict between Jesus and the disciples during Jesus’ Galilean ministry. At their first appearance, the disciples are committed and eager to follow Jesus. Upon being called by Jesus, they abruptly leave their current situation and follow him (1:17-20; 2:14).[1] Accompanying Jesus on his ministry tour, they are exposed to Jesus as a miracle worker and teacher. They even serve as an extension of his ministry (6:12-13; cf. 3:15).

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RECOMMENDED: Four Common But Misleading Themes in Ferguson-Like Times by Thabiti Anyabwile

Kirk E. Miller

As I read Voddie Baucham’s “Thoughts on Ferguson” I was bothered, not because of what he said, but because of what he left out. I was concerned because this is just the sort of ammunition, from an African American pastor mind you, that some people need to disregard what is really at the heart of the issue in Ferguson. As BJ Thompson tweeted,

That’s why I glad to hear about Thabiti Anyabwile’s (indirect) ‘response’ in “Four Common But Misleading Themes in Ferguson-Like Times.” I recommend you read it.

RECOMMENDED: Ferguson, Empathy, & Hope by Jefferson Bethke

Kirk E. Miller

Wise words from Jefferson Bethke on the Ferguson situation.

Here are some tweets for context and more wise comments.

Unfortunately, Bethke started getting attacked for that tweet.

For example… (below) Yet Bethke responds with insight into the situation that I wish more within evangelicalism had.

He concludes,

RECOMMENDED: A Decision in Ferguson: How Should Evangelicals Respond? by Ed Stetzer

Kirk E. Miller

Read this article by Ed Stetzer: A Decision in Ferguson: How Should Evangelicals Respond?

Here are some of my thoughts (originally shared via Twitter) that I’d like to share with you.