Thankful Thursday

I’m thankful for

• that the month of January is half over. I usually love January, but this year, not so much. I suppose that’s back-handed thanksgiving, but I really am thankful that God has sustained me through two weeks of short, stressful days. 
• for warm days to play outdoors with the grandchildren. It’s hard on kids to spend everyday indoors because it’s too cold to go out. When it’s nice enough to enjoy slow walks and snow angels, it’s a blessing.
• for lamps and candles to curse the darkness. 
• for Vitamin D capsules to help make up for the lack of sun.
• for a few good books.
• for time to work on a secret project.
• for the evening prayers in Valley of Vision.

Linked Together: Three Whats

with good answers.

What Is Biblical Theology?
“The Bible teaches Christians how the Bible should be read. Studying biblical theology is the best way to learn from the Bible how to read the Bible as a Christian should. By the same token, studying the Bible is the best way to learn biblical theology.” Read the rest from James M. Hamilton at The Gospel Coalition Blog.

What’s the Difference … 
between the Ontological and the Economic Trinity? In short:

Ontology is the study of being. When we talk about the ontological Trinity, we are referring to the fact that God is three in one… . The ontological structure of the Trinity is a unity. When we speak of the economic Trinity, we are dealing with roles. We distinguish among the three persons of the Godhead in terms of what we call the economy of God.

But you’ll want to read the whole thing (R. C. Sproul at Ligonier Ministries Blog).

What Is Your Most Prized Possession?
For the Christian, it should be the Bible, because “the Bible is rock of revelation that our faith is built upon“ (Erik Raymond at Ordinary Pastor).

Theological Term of the Week

This is not an easy term to define. Theologians I respect define “miracle” differently, and all have reasons for their particular definition. 

miracle
“[T]hose [events] not explainable solely by natural processes but which require the direct causal agency of a supernatural being, usually God”1; “an out-of-the-ordinary direct and divine intervention in the world”2; “any event within the sphere of human observation which is brought about by the direct volition of God, normally, but not always, as distinguished from the ordinary manifestations of divine power operating according to intelligible laws … “3; see other definitions under Learn more below.

• From scripture, one of Jesus’ miracles:

Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her andsaid to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. (Luke 7:11-17, ESV)

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