Mystery: A truth previously hidden but now revealed by God, particularly referring to the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation (Ephesians 3:3-9)
Gnosticism: An ancient philosophical-religious movement emphasizing secret knowledge (gnosis) and often denying Christ's physical body
Happiness: A temporary emotional state dependent on circumstances
Sin: Any thought, word, or deed that falls short of God's perfect standard
Joy: A deep-seated spiritual contentment rooted in relationship with God
Walk: Biblical metaphor for daily Christian living and conduct
Sanctification: The ongoing process of becoming holy and Christ-like
Moral improvement view: A perspective focusing solely on behavioral modification without spiritual transformation
Colossians 1:13-14: "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Colossians 1:22: "in his fleshly body through death, to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,"
Colossians 2:8: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
Colossians 3:2-3: "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Apostle: A messenger commissioned by Christ Himself to spread His teachings Universalism: The belief that everyone will ultimately be saved regardless of faith
"A worldview can be judged only on the basis of another worldview."
"Worldview in some view of the world and human nature informs everyone's life." Christianity differs from the moral improvement view by focusing on heart transformation through Christ rather than mere behavioral modification.
The goal of biblical interpretation is to understand and apply God's intended meaning in Scripture.
Some people doubted even after seeing Jesus risen (Matthew 28:17).
Three sweet truths about identity in Christ:
Complete forgiveness through His blood
New creation status
Position as adopted children of God
Three principal beliefs for joy according to Keller:
God's sovereignty over all circumstances
His good intentions toward believers
His presence in suffering
Whatever we base our identity and value on we essentially worship.
If we lose an idol due to another's failing, we will be angry toward them.
If we lose an idol due to our failing, we will blame ourselves.
The only solution to having an idol is not simply to change behavior but have God change what controls our hearts.
Three deep needs met fully only in Jesus:
Identity
Purpose
Acceptance
Jesus is the only Lord who will both serve us and rule over us.
Our usual fleshly response when realizing we're not who we should be is self-righteousness or despair.
Three questions religions answer with Christian responses:
Question | Christian Answer |
---|---|
What's wrong with the world? | Sin separating us from God |
How can it be fixed? | Through faith in Christ's sacrifice |
How should we live? | According to biblical principles guided by the Holy Spirit |
According to Keller, Jesus did miracles to demonstrate His divine authority and power.
Six things that hurt us according to Keller:
Loss
Suffering
Failure
Disappointment
Betrayal
Death
Sin is living independently of God's rule, seeking life and fulfillment apart from Him.
"Happiness apart from God is inherently meaningless."
"If anything threatens your identity, you will be paralyzed with fear."
God's foremost calling is to know and glorify Him.
The most frequent OT command was "Fear not"/"Do not be afraid." Two aspects applying to NT believers:
Trust in God's presence and power
Faith in His promises and care
Every believer is predestined to be conformed to Christ's image (Romans 8:28-30).
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Six qualities believers should "put on" daily:
Compassion
Kindness
Humility
Meekness
Patience
Love
The good news is that all believers become heirs of God's inheritance regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.