Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Faith

Monday Meditation: RCL Year B, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mark 5:21-43

June 25, 2018 by Gary Neal Hansen 2 Comments

The Revised Common Lectionary skips the evocative story of Legion and his many demons, and their demise in a herd of pigs who could not swim, much less fly. (Luke’s version will come up in Year C.) Instead we skip ahead on the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time to Mark 5:21-43, another “sandwich passage.” As […]

Filed Under: Bible, Church Year, Faith, Monday Meditation Tagged With: 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Faith, Healing, Mark 5:21-34, RCL Year B

Is Faith Simple? Should it Be? (Heidelberg Catechism Q60)

February 14, 2017 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

is faith simple

Question 60 is one of the unsung heroes of the Heidelberg Catechism (you know — that’s the summary of biblical Christianity from a Reformed perspective that I’ve been blogging on since it’s 450th anniversary in 2013). Maybe it’s better to say it’s one of the hinge points. You might argue it’s the culmination of the […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Faith, heidelberg catechism, question 60, righteousness

The “YES!” that Changed Everything: The Annunciation of the Lord

March 25, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

There are a few moments on which the history of the world swings like a hinge. People my age remember exactly where they were when the Twin Towers fell. For Christians the real hinge moments are long before our own lives: Jesus’ death on the cross on Good Friday; his rising from the grave Easter […]

Filed Under: Faith, Saints, Theology Tagged With: Annunciation, Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, BVM, Faith, Luke 1:26-38, Obedience, Virgin Mary

Here’s the Secret of Where Faith Comes From; Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 65

November 15, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 6 Comments

You’ve probably heard it as often as I have. “You just need more faith!” “Just believe!” “Just let go, and let God!” The subject is faith, and the common theme is the modifier “just,” making it sound really, really simple. Like flip a switch, and suddenly I’ll have strong life-changing faith. But where is that […]

Filed Under: Faith, Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Catechism, Evangelism, Faith, Gospel, Heidelberg, preaching, spiritual but not religious, Trust

What Being a Christian Is For — and From: Heidelberg Q. 32

October 31, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 1 Comment

“But why are you a Christian?” It is a question shy evangelicals desperately wish somebody would ask. “Be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you,” but hope you don’t have to bring it up yourself. “Why are you called a Christian?” Take the question slightly differently and it sounds a […]

Filed Under: Faith, Heidelberg Catechism Tagged With: Apologetics, Catechism, Faith, Heidelberg, Purpose

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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