From a Talk I Gave a Year Ago. Ask Me to Give it Again Somewhere!

Doug Groothuis, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy, Denver Seminary

Doug.Groothuis@denverseminary.edu

Auraria Master Plan, February 15, 2011

Whole-Hearted Christianity

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.—Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:16)

I. What is Christianity?

A. Christian theism: worldview

1. Creation (Genesis 1-2; Romans 1)

2. Fall (Genesis 3; Romans 2-3)

3. Redemption, salvation (Romans 4-8)

II. On Being a Christian

A. The gospel (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-7; Ephesians 2:8-9)

B. Justification (Romans 5:1-8)

C. Discipleship, sanctification

1. The Cross (Luke 9:23-26; 1 John 2:15-17)

2. Faith: moment-by-moment trust in God (John 14-16)

D. Calling

1. Universal call

a. Love God with all your being; and your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13)

b. Glorify God and seek his Kingdom (1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 6:33; Psalm 63)

2. Particular call

Use your gifts according to the needs of the world for the glory of God. See Os Guinness, The Call.

III. Zeal According to Knowledge: Apostle Paul

A. Saul’s conversion (Acts 9)

B. Apostle Paul’s attitude (Acts 22:24)

C. Apostle Paul in action

1. Spiritual warfare (Acts 13:1-12; see also Ephesians 6:10-19)

2. Among the intellectuals: apologetics (Acts 17:16-34; Romans 12:1-2)

3. Paul’s secret power (Galatians 2:20; 6:14)

IV. Your Whole-Hearted Christianity

A. Make sure you are a Christian, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ: You must be born again (John 3)

B. Repent of anything that keeps you from putting Christ and this Kingdom first (Matthew 4:17; Luke 24:46-49)

C. Seek God for direction, strength, and fruitfulness (Psalm 62-63; Matthew 6:33; 7:7-8)

Further Book Resources:

1. Harry Blamires, The Christian Mind.

2. Os Guinness, The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life

3. J.P. Moreland, Kingdom Triangle: Recover the Christian Mind, Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit's Power.

4. Nancy Pearcey, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity From its Cultural Captivity.

5. John Piper, Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God .

6. John Piper, Don’t Waste Your Life.

7. Francis Schaeffer, The God Who is There. I have read this book ten times, starting in 1976.

8. Francis Schaeffer, True Spirituality. A modern classic.

9. Mark Sayers, The Trouble With Paris: Following Jesus in a World of Plastic Promises.