John 1:1-18 - The Nearness of God – Incarnation as Presence

In Chapter 1 Burns discusses the subject of the presence of God in John 1:1-18. The focus of the chapter is verse 14. Attention is given to the Word in the flesh, the Word and salvation, the Word and perseverance, the Word as tabernacle, the Word as grace and truth, the Word and the Law, and the Word and our world.

The Urban Face of Mission – Mission, Missions, Theology, and Theological Education

In Chapter 1 the author wants to address the isolation or marginalization of mission from theological training, theology from mission, and the church from the world. Conn offers possible reasons for this separation. He further suggests modifications that are currently being employed, and ends with some practical suggestions to encourage the process of modification.

With Reverence and Awe – The Church and the World

Chapter 1 is an exposition of Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 21, Q&A 54. The authors seek to understand from the Catechism what the relationship between the church and the world is in worship. Should the aim of the church be to make worship accessible to the world? Should worship be one occasion where the church displays her otherworldliness?