Category Archives: Church History

Nov 16 2020

Defining Orthodoxy Relationally: 'It Takes More Than Correct Doctrine to be Truly Orthodox'

Orthodoxy Relationally Defined

Defining Orthodoxy Relationally

“Objective historic theology is Reformation theology.  It is historical evangelicalism.  It is historical orthodoxy.”  So says John MacArthur (Charismatic Chaos: 32). If John’s lips are moving, there’s a good chance I don’t agree with much of what’s coming through them! The narrow and sectarian nature of that statement is appalling. But John is just following in the footsteps of his spiritual forefather, Martin Luther.  Luther said that in the history of the church no one–not Augustine, not any of the Church Fathers–NO ONE other than himself–ever understood “pure doctrine.” He called everything before himself “great darkness.” (Table Talk: §530)  

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Sep 21 2020

The Long War Against Thinking in Pentecostalism/Charismatic Churches: 'Monday Morning Musings 9-21-2020 - "What . . . . IF?"'

There is a prevalent strain of anti-intellectualism that has infected some forms of Western Protestantism for one hundred years, particularly some Pentecostal and Charismatic brands. It goes like this: “I don’t need any one to teach me what the Bible says. The Holy Spirit gives me ‘downloads.” All that education just gets in the way of the ‘anointing’ and ‘revelation'”. In this episode, I use the simple English word “if” to demonstrate how foolish that paradigm truly is.

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Copyright 2020. Dr. Stephen R. Crosby. www.stevecrosby.org. For video and audio resources, sign up as a student here. You will find a mix of both free resources and those with cost. This ministry is sustained by the freewill offerings of those believe in the message of a radical grace in a new covenant understanding. If this blog article has been a blessing to you, would you prayerfully consider making a contribution through our Paypal button to help? Stephanos Ministries is NOT a 501-c-3 corporation Click here to understand why. Thank you and God bless you.

 

Jun 14 2019

Life in the New Covenant Video Series – Episode One: 'Jesus: The Exact Representation of God'

Life in the New Covenant – Episode One

It’s finally here!

It is with great pleasure that Loren Rosser and I present Episode One of our Life in the New Covenant video series!

Jesus: The Exact Representation of God

https://youtu.be/xLiG1CcunV8

In this first episode, Brad Jersak, Michael Hardin, Bryon Wiebold, Mary Crews, Michael Rose, Mark Drake, Darrin Hufford, and myself talk about the importance of having a correct God image–that being Jesus as the Exact Representation of God—as the foundation of new creation living.

We hope to release episodes every three months and we estimate 6 to 8 more episodes covering different aspects of being a follower of Jesus in a grace-based, new creation paradigm. Men and women with diverse backgrounds and perspectives will be sharing their expertise on different themes of the new covenant life.  We plan to release a new episode approximately every three months.

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Copyright 2019,  Dr. Stephen R. Crosby, www.stevecrosby.org. This ministry is sustained by the freewill offerings of those believe in the message of a radical grace in a new covenant understanding. If this article has been a blessing to you, would you prayerfully consider making a contribution through our Paypal button to help? Stephanos Ministries is NOT a 501-c-3 corporation Click here to understand why. Thank you and God bless you

Jun 12 2019

Steven J. Wylie Podcast Interview: Augustine’s Influence on Western Theology

For those who might be interested to listen, here’s an interview with Steve Wylie on his podcast. I talk a bit about the influence (mostly negative IMHO) of Augustine in the formation of western theologies, and the possibilities of legitimate perspectives other than his. If you are happy in your Evangelical Protestantism, don’t listen to this one. It will just upset you. If you have begun to ask questions about things not making sense for you any more, you might enjoy this, and the crazy humor in the beginning.  Steve interviews me about my migration out of mainstream Protestantism and we morph into some critique of Augustinian theology. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-dr-stephen-crosby-discusses-his-departure-from-mainstream/id1461732073?i=1000441163487

 

 

Why Stephanos Ministries is Not a 501-C-3
Jul 13 2016

Why Stephanos Ministries is Not a 501-C-3 Tax Exempt Corporation: 'Legalities and Spiritual Convictions'

In this blog I explain (for those interested) why as of July 2015, Stephanos Ministries ceased to be a 501-C-3 corporation with IRS pre-approval of donations. For decades we were a 501-C-3, so what follows is surely not a judgment or condemnation on anyone who currently maintains that status. For years I believed being a 501-C-3 was a benign and mutually beneficial exercise of Christian liberty. I do not judge those who maintain that conviction today.  However, in the light of recent political and legal trends in the world, I thought an explanation for our conviction and action in terminating our status might be helpful. Most believers I have met are very naïve and ill-informed on the “legal” aspects of operating a “church” or “ministry.” This is my attempt to inform and educate.

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Jun 9 2016

Five Hundred Years of the Reformation: An Appeal for Today: 'Renouncing Violence, Vitriol, and Venom in the Cause of Christ'

Five Hundred Years: The Reformation

A New Reformation Dawning

I believe we are  living in the most significant moment in the history of the church since the Reformation. While we can be thankful and grateful for the many benefits that derived to us from the Reformation, many of the beliefs, values, and practices that came from it are being challenged in this hour.  In my opinion, rightly and necessarily so.  On the eve of the quincentenary (500th anniversary) celebration of the Reformation, I have an appeal to make.

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