Jonathan M. Threlfall

Thoughts on Christian Theology and Pastoring

  • Jesus the Divine Servant: Suffering, Substitution, Exaltation

    Before taking Theology of the New Testament with Dr. Thomas Schreiner, I was familiar with the concept of the servant of the Lord. But my understanding was sketchy: it lacked cohesive structure. After I heard Dr. Schreiner’s lecture on this topic and studied the section in his book that deals with it, I grasped the…

  • Boldness: The Hallmark of Spirit-Effected Preaching

    I’m taking a class that uses Sinclair Ferguson’s The Holy Spirit as one of its texts. Near the end of his chapter “Gifts for Ministry,” Sinclair argues that boldness is the hallmark of Spirit-effected preaching. A preacher myself, I found this selection to be instructive and encouraging. The hallmark of the preaching which the Spirit effects is ‘boldness’…

  • Cultivating a Heart for God in Your Child

    Who will your child be when he or she leaves your home? In his message this past Sunday evening, Pastor Allen dealt with that question. I was so challenged by this message that I’ve adapted it as a blog post here for your encouragement as well. If you didn’t get to hear the message you…

  • Worship Moment: God’s Knowledge of Me vs. My Knowledge of God

    I have been using this Bible memory plan to focus on key truths about God throughout each week. The first two passages, Psalm 139:1-4 and Romans 11:33-36, form a powerful pair. Together, they contrast God’s knowledge of me and my knowledge of God. “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when…

  • The Kalam Cosmological Argument

    Unlike some philosophical literature I have been slogging through lately, William Lane Craig’s writing style is particularly interesting and compelling. I just finished reading his essay on the kalam theological argument. The argument proceeds as follows: (1) Whatever begins to exist has a cause of its existence. (2) The universe began to exist. (3) Therefore,…

  • Eschatological Tension and Practical Christian Living

    In his New Testament Theology, Thomas Schreiner emphasizes the already/not yet feature of eschatology which is pervasive throughout the New Testament. This perspective on eschatology essentially sees us living in an age in which God’s promises are inaugurated, but not consummated. Christ’s resurrection, as the fulfillment of Old Testament anticipation, has “started the engine,” and the coming…

  • God Everlasting or God Eternal

    Any rock climber knows the frightening sensation of reaching for a rock that appears to be a suitable hand-hold, only to discover that it is a loose stone. At the same time, the rock climber is grateful that he discovered that it is a loose stone before he put his full weight on it. I find the…

  • The Classic Ontological Argument

    The classic ontological argument, as formulated by Saint Anselm in the early 11th century, comes in the form of a worshipful prayer. Anselm makes it clear from the outset that his belief in God’s existence is already established. The argument serves to expand and clarify that belief. Within this framework, it is best not to…

  • How Mortimer Adler Helps Me Read Philosophical Literature

    When I introduce people to Mortimer Adler’s classic guide on intelligent reading, How to Read a Book, most merely give it a dismissive glance and ask, “Why would anyone read a whole book on how to read a book?” The more politely inquisitive might go so far as to ask, “If someone doesn’t know how to read a…