Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Theology

Vocabulary Lesson: What’s Up with the “Ascension”? (Heidelberg Catechism Q. 49)

June 3, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen 7 Comments

ascension

  We just rushed by the most neglected day of the Church’s year: the “Ascension”, forty days after Easter when the risen Christ left the earth and went to heaven. Part of the problem: the original event happened on a Thursday. Churches don’t gather to take notice until the Sunday afterward. Another issue: Jesus lifting off without benefit […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology, Vocabulary Tagged With: Ascension, Church year, heidelberg catechism, Holy Spirit, Intercession

Heidelberg Catechism Group Study Now on Kindle!

May 30, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

I was very pleased to discover that my six-week small-group study of the Heidelberg Catechism is now available on Kindle! Apparently it came out on Kindle in May of 2013, but I didn’t hear about it. The paper copy came out in 2012. It is part of the “Being Reformed” series put out by the PC(USA)’s Congregational […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Adult education, Being Reformed Series, heidelberg catechism, Small Group Study Guide

Knowing the Past is a Great Thing: Thanks, Venerable Bede!

May 27, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

If you forget the past you are not really doomed to repeat it. However, remembering the right things from past can help you find wisdom, live in gratitude, and avoid certain things that would make you look like a doofus. One English monk who knew this, and helped the church remember its past for centuries after his death was “The Venerable […]

Filed Under: Saints, Theology, Uncategorized Tagged With: Bede, Patron Saint of Historians, St. Bede, Venerable Bede

“Be a Real Christian”: Charge to the Graduating Class, 2014

May 17, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen 6 Comments

As you leave seminary behind, as you move into your calling as servants of Christ, please, I beg you, take care what you aim for. Think hard about the goal, the target at which you are aiming your life. You want goals for your work and your ministry of course, but think, more importantly, about the […]

Filed Under: Saints, Theology Tagged With: Abba Joseph, Abba Lot, Desert Fathers, Greatest Commandment, Gregory Nazianzen, Gregory of Nazianzus, Loving God, Sayings of the Desert Fathers

How to Really Enjoy Your Summer Vacation: Advice from a Fourth Century Monk

May 13, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Did you get to the end of vacation last year and wonder why you were disappointed? Big expectations of adventure and rest swallowed up by Angry Birds and email? Time think ahead, even though Memorial Day is weeks away. Classes are over for the semester (though a two-week Doctor of Ministry intensive is looming). Time to think about Summer before […]

Filed Under: Monasticism, Prayer, Saints, Theology Tagged With: Accidie, Desert Fathers, Monasticism, Redeeming the time, Rhythm, Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Self-management, St. Anthony, Vacation

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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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