We should understand that, fundamentally, our faith is not about what we do (as important as that is), nor is it about what we think (as important as that is). Our faith is fundamentally strengthened by understanding who we are through the indwelling Christ. We are who we are because of our union with Him. Nothing else can be the integration point (the place where the promises of Scripture and our identity intersect) of true spirituality. If we make what we do (right actions) the integration point of our faith, then we become fundamentalist and Pharisaical, with the judgement of others’ misbehaviors the preoccupation of our religion. If we make what we think (right doctrine) the integration point of our faith, then we become rationalistic debaters with judgement of other’ faulty doctrine the preoccupation of our religion.
— Bryan Chapell (b. 1954), Theologe, Pastor und Autor
Topics: Meaning & Identity, Faith & Trust, Grace & Redemption
Occasions: For Reflection
Bryan Chapell
Bryan Chapell (* 1954) ist ein US-amerikanischer presbyterianischer Pastor, Theologe und ehemaliger Präsident des Covenant Theological Seminary. Bekannt wurde er durch sein Konzept der christuszentrierten Auslegungspredigt, das biblische Texte ausgehend von menschlicher Gebrochenheit konsequent auf die Gnade Gottes in Christus bezieht. Für Bibelleser bieten seine Schriften methodische Zugänge, um Bibeltexte jenseits von reinem Moralismus im heilsgeschichtlichen Zusammenhang zu verstehen.
All quotes by Bryan Chapell (42)
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.
Henri Nouwen
To love a person means to see them as God meant them to be.
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Inner dignity remains, even when performance capacity and social role decline.
Anselm Grün
There is a God, and I'm not him.
John Mark Comer
God has put eternity into our hearts and filled it with longing.
John Piper
Prayers are tools not for doing or getting, but for being and becoming.
Eugene Peterson