Welcome to the personal blog of Dr. Jay Givens, Professor of Theological Studies, Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, TX.
Latest Blog Entries
Christian Reflections on Muslim Hospitality
Christians can learn about the hospitality demonstrated in Muslim cultures to better understand how to follow Jesus. The article compares Muslim and Christian teachings that emphasize hospitality as a spiritual duty and an act of charity. Christians should treat others generously and respond to unkindness with kindness, showcasing the transformative power of hospitality.
Keep reading
Memorial Message for Myrtle Lou Brown Givens
Message I gave during the memorial service for my mother, Myrtle Lou Brown Givens
Keep reading
Nunc Coepi (Now I Begin!)
The story of Samson in Judges begins with great promise, as he is set apart with a divine calling. His story is a cautionary tale to ancient Jews and modern Christians about how we can forfeit our set apart status and fail to live into the promise of our calling. At any moment, however, we…
Keep reading
Surrender to the God of the Possible
What hath Tim Allen to do with Mary? A Christmas reflection on Advent 2024.
Keep reading
Whose Land Is It, Anyway?
The claim that Israel owns the land based on biblical promises is flawed. The Bible says God owns the land and set conditions for Israel’s residence: justice, care for the marginalized, and adherence to God’s commands, contradicting unwavering support for Israel at the expense of Palestinians.
Keep reading
When the Prodigal Son Met Esau and Cain
The prodigal son in Luke 15 is one of the best-known stories of Jesus. Jesus frames this story of a father and 2 sons to make us think of two earlier sets of brothers: Cain and Abel and Esau and Jacob. What happens when the prodigal meets Esau and Cain?
Keep readingWhat is Orthopistis?
“Right faith” or “Proper Allegiance”
Too often, Christians emphasize orthodoxy (literally “right worship,” but usually defined as “right thoughts”) to the extent that Christianity becomes a checklist of mental assents disconnected from ethical living. To counter this tendency, others assert orthopraxis (“right actions”) over orthodoxy, but how do we determine what the right acts are?
Instead, I believe the New Testament emphasizes orthopistis, that is, right faith or proper allegiance to Christ. A focus on orthopistis will reform our thoughts and reorient our actions, though this reformation/reorientation is a lifelong process.
Sermons
Many of this site’s blog posts are summaries of sermons. Often, there is a video and/or audio link to the sermon if you are interested in more than the summary.
Blog
Thoughts about the Christian life and faith, religion, and culture.
About Dr. Givens
Learn more about Dr. Givens. While he teaches at Wayland Baptist University, the views expressed in this blog are his alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the university.
Dr. Givens is available to preach or lead a study in your church, serve as an interim minister, or speak to your college or service organization. For more information, please contact him.
Orthopistis 