One evening while scrolling social media‚ I came across a video of a pastor saying his church sides with Jesus’s gospel on the numerous occasions where Paul’s gospel contradicts it. I was less shocked by his comment than by the Christians who were. This is not a brand-new way to think about Jesus and Paul. Does Paul create a “theological” story about Jesus that contradicts the “social and ethical” gospel Jesus preached? In any conversation around these questions‚ building common ground can make navigating disagreements easier. Let’s be honest: evangelicals can unintentionally place a greater focus on Paul than on Jesus. The apostle’s letters usually make more direct‚ literal‚ and logical claims than what you find in narrative passages. We all have genres of Scripture that appeal to us and tempt us to develop a personal “canon within the canon.” What Did Paul Mean by ‘Gospel’? The “two gospels” claim asserts Paul was preaching a gospel story about Jesus that came to him secondhand. Jesus‚ meanwhile‚ preached about a new way of life associated with the arrival of the kingdom. We all have genres of Scripture that appeal to us and tempt us to develop a personal ‘canon within the canon.’ Such a message certainly corresponds with Mark’s summary of Jesus’s preaching (Mark 1:14–15). (Ironically‚ this passage is likely Mark’s summary of eyewitness accounts passed along to him—not unlike the experience of Paul.) But did Jesus define his “social and ethical” gospel as turning to a new way of life that would lead to justice and generosity for all? To answer this question‚ we must return to the beginning of Mark. Mark uses “the gospel” in his title to the book in 1:1 (“the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ‚ the Son of God”). In this title‚ he defines “gospel” as an account of Jesus that depicts him as the the Christ (or Messiah) and the Son of God (Jewish and Roman titles for a king). How did Mark come to do this? In the first-century Roman world‚ the term “gospel” (euangelion) didn’t describe a biographical narrative about someone’s life; it described victories given by the gods on the battlefield as well as the birth‚ rise to power‚ and decrees of the divine ruler (e.g.‚ the Priene calendar inscription about Augustus Caesar). The verb euangelizō (“I proclaim the good news”) was used in the Septuagint‚ particularly in Isaiah (e.g.‚ Isa. 40:9–10; 52:7–10)‚ to announce that God was acting to save his people from exile‚ overthrowing the idolatrous rulers of the world and establishing his reign. By citing Isaiah 40:3 in his introduction‚ Mark is using the title “gospel” to document how Jesus’s death on the cross functions as his entrance into his kingly reign. This gospel from the Gospels doesn’t contradict Paul’s gospel. In 1 Corinthians 15:3–11‚ Paul emphasizes how the proclamation of the cross and resurrection fulfills the Old Testament story. He affirms the historicity of the resurrection by recounting that Jesus appeared to Peter and James—men the “two gospel” advocates claim were Paul’s enemies. In Romans 11:1–7‚ Paul explains that the gospel he preached was a fulfillment of the prophets’ promises: God would rescue his people through Jesus’s death and resurrection‚ resulting in his enthronement as king. Why Did Paul Refer to ‘My Gospel’? If Paul and Jesus agree‚ why does the apostle use the phrase “my gospel”? It’s worth observing that he only adds the modifier in “my/our” six of the 60 times he used the term “gospel.” He highlights how his gospel includes a judgment performed by King Jesus (Rom. 2:16)‚ enables the obedience that comes from faith (Rom. 16:26)‚ and empowers endurance as believers are persecuted because of Christ (2 Cor. 4:3; 1 Thess. 1:5). These examples demonstrate that rather than differentiating his message from Jesus’s‚ Paul is aligning it. By comparison‚ Paul uses “the gospel” without any qualifier 27 times. This most common designation reflects his understanding that the gospel he preached was the same one preached by the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:22–30). Additionally‚ Paul uses “gospel of Christ” (e.g.‚ Rom. 15:19) and “gospel of God” (e.g.‚ 1 Thess. 2:2) in ways that parallel Mark 1:1 and 1:14. The gospel revealed to Paul (Gal. 1:11–12) aligns with Jesus’s plan—that the Gentiles would hear the good news of Jesus’s kingship‚ which enables people to be saved (Matt. 24:14; 26:13; Mark 13:10; 14:9; Luke 24:44–49). The gospel Paul preached was a fulfillment of the prophets’ promises: God would rescue his people through Jesus’s death and resurrection‚ resulting in his enthronement as king. How should the unified gospel of Jesus and Paul affect the church today? First‚ we should consider whether we do favor Paul‚ elevating him in a way that pits him against Jesus. We should learn to appreciate the entire Bible‚ not just our favorite testaments‚ genres‚ or authors. Second‚ we should have confidence that Paul articulated “the gospel of Jesus Christ‚ the Son of God” faithfully. His concepts and language have roots deep within the Old Testament and in the ministry and message of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels. Last‚ we should be bolstered in our belief that the entirety of the Scriptures perfectly reveals God to his people. He entrusted his church with 66 books‚ and the early church placed these books alongside each other as Christian Scripture. We mustn’t elevate our own reasoning to unhitch portions of what God has revealed to his church. If we manipulate what’s left into a supposedly biblical argument‚ we fall into representing our sensibilities rather than God’s truth.

Though occasionally punctuated with big-budget blockbusters like Dune: Part Two‚ springtime is usually a sleepier season for new-release movies. But it can also be when lower-profile‚ hidden gems sneak into theaters (or onto streaming platforms). This includes movies that’ll appeal to Christian viewers looking for more edifying fare than what’s typically offered. As I did in the fall‚ I’ve compiled a list of current or upcoming movies you might consider watching either at home or in theaters. These selections aren’t all mainstream‚ and a few might feel slow or artsy to some viewers. But they’re all thoughtful‚ well-made new releases that model virtues worth celebrating. Three of these films explicitly celebrate advocacy for vulnerable children—certainly a theme Christians should embrace in movies. Take a look at the list below and see if something here might bless you or your loved ones. Arthur the King When he’s not promoting prayer apps in Super Bowl commercials‚ Mark Wahlberg seems to be carving out a niche for himself as a family-friendly leading man. Several of his recent movies even have “family” in the title (e.g.‚ last year’s The Family Plan or 2018’s Instant Family). The outspoken Catholic and married father of four recognizes the scarcity of life-affirming‚ noncringe entertainment in Hollywood—and he’s trying to fill the gap. His latest‚ Arthur the King‚ dramatizes the true story of an adventure racer who puts together a team to trek across the Dominican Republic—and the stray dog named Arthur they pick up along the way. Based on a 2016 book‚ it’s an inspiring adventure tale of friendship‚ compassion‚ and perseverance. Rated PG-13. In theaters now. Cabrini Following up last year’s surprise hit Sound of Freedom‚ director Alejandro Monteverde again explores the valor in advocating for suffering children in his latest‚ Cabrini. The Angel Studios film‚ set in 1880s New York City‚ tells the story of Frances Xavier Cabrini‚ a Catholic missionary to the Five Points neighborhood in lower Manhattan—at the time one of the most crime- and disease-ridden urban slums in the world. With excellent period production values and sweeping music (evoking Wagner)‚ the film feels like an old-fashioned biopic. While overlong and sometimes slow‚ Cabrini is a generally compelling portrait of one heroic woman’s faith-infused passion to love and protect “the least of these” (which Italian immigrant orphan children certainly were in 19th-century Manhattan). It’s not a perfect film—some of its “female empowerment” one-liners feel cringy and anachronistic—but I was impressed with its scale and elegance and especially with the lead performance by Italian actress Cristiana Dell’Anna. Rated PG-13. In theaters now.  Irena’s Vow Set in World War II‚ this Canadian-Polish production tells the inspiring true story of Irena Gut‚ a Polish nurse (and faithful Catholic) whose life is changed when she witnesses the horror of a Nazi soldier killing an infant. Committed to countering the Nazi culture of death with pro-life efforts to protect Jews‚ she risks her life to hide 12 Jews in a secret cellar of a Nazi officer’s villa‚ where she works as a housekeeper. The drama is harrowing and hard to watch at times‚ as Irena suffers much for the sacrifices she makes on behalf of her Jewish friends. But it’s a powerful reminder of the beauty of sacrificing your comfort—even your life—to serve and protect others. The sanctity of life is on full display in Irena’s Vow‚ an elegant depiction of Holocaust survival and heroism that reminded me at times of The Pianist. Pair this film with One Life (see below) and discuss the lessons of valor and compassion depicted in each. Rated R. Showing in theaters April 15 and 16‚ 2024.  One Life Similar to Irena’s Vow‚ One Life depicts a true story of one person sticking their neck out to save others during the Holocaust. In this case‚ the hero is Nicholas “Nicky” Winton‚ a young London broker who helps rescue hundreds of predominantly Jewish children from Czechoslovakia as the threat of Nazi invasion looms. The film alternates between the civilian heroism of young Nicky (Johnny Flynn) and the memories—and guilt that he couldn’t save more—of older Nicky 50 years later (Anthony Hopkins). The story‚ a sort of British Schindler’s List‚ is refreshingly earnest and morally clear. Like Irena’s Vow‚ it shows the legacy of heroes who champion life’s dignity in a world that often cheapens it. Rated PG. In theaters now. Perfect Days The Christian faith of German director Wim Wenders has long shaped his work (e.g.‚ Wings of Desire‚ Land of Plenty‚ The Salt of the Earth)‚ though often not in obvious ways. His latest film is no exception. Set in contemporary Tokyo‚ Perfect Days centers on the aging Hirayama (Kōji Yakusho) who lives alone and cleans toilets for a living. The film basically follows him around Tokyo as he cleans architecturally pleasing public restrooms‚ takes photographs of trees‚ and interacts with family‚ coworkers‚ and strangers. It sounds boring and depressing; it’s anything but. In Wenders’s Christian worldview‚ there’s beauty and common grace everywhere for those with eyes to see—even in the mundane. The “drudgery” of toil becomes an opportunity to choose gratitude and joyful service. Habitual or chance encounters with others are opportunities to brighten someone’s day. Perfect Days doesn’t paint a rosy picture of a falsely “perfect” world; it models a way of seeing the world that finds joy in the hard‚ the easy‚ and everything in between. Rated PG. Available to rent. The Taste of Things  This is one of the best food movies I’ve ever seen (up there with Babette’s Feast and Ratatouille). To watch the film’s long sequences of lovingly prepared feasts‚ intricately choreographed in a rustic French kitchen‚ is to see something of the genius of humanity’s God-given‚ image-bearing vocation to bring order out of chaos. Written and directed by Vietnamese-born French filmmaker Trần Anh Hùng‚ The Taste of Things focuses less on plot than on the sensory encounter cinema can offer. The 1889-set movie brings us into the kitchen to the extent that we can almost smell the mushroom vol-au-vent and taste the Baked Alaska that nearly makes one character cry. But beyond its sumptuous culinary pleasure‚ the film ponders the way love finds sublime expression in hospitality and service. As we watch Eugénie (Juliette Binoche) and Dodin (Benoît Magimel) take turns making each other meals‚ outdoing one another in the TLC of French country cooking‚ we’re basking in the beauty of mutually self-giving love. Rated PG-13. In theaters now. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar Acclaimed director Wes Anderson’s signature aesthetic and quirky storytelling style perfectly fits Roald Dahl’s fiction (as we learned in his 2009 adaptation of Fantastic Mr. Fox). His recent short film (39 minutes long) inspired by Dahl’s 1977 “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” is visually captivating and narratively brilliant. Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role‚ the fanciful tale is a moral fable of sorts‚ showing the beauty of one self-interested man gradually recognizing the emptiness of greed and possessions and the beauty of living generously. Anderson won his first Oscar for this movie (best live action short film)‚ and it’s much deserved. Rated PG. Watch on Netflix. Wonka Roald Dahl is having a moment. In addition to Anderson’s superb Henry Sugar short‚ the Christmas-released Wonka (starring Dune’s Timothée Chalamet) explored the backstory of Dahl’s iconic chocolatier‚ Willy Wonka. I was skeptical about the premise going in‚ but the film—from the director of the Paddington movies—far exceeded my expectations and ended up making my best movies of 2023 list. Wholesome‚ nonwoke‚ high-quality‚ watch-it-with-the-whole-family films are all too rare these days‚ and yet Wonka (which was a huge box office hit) shows there’s audience hunger for this kind of fare. Here’s hoping Hollywood pays attention. Rated PG. Available to rent.

A cat who has the appearance of a mini puma opened his heart and learned what it means to be adored. LawrenceTabby's PlaceFor years‚ Lawrence‚ the tabby cat‚ lived at an empty farm being cared for by a kind person. He'd learned to fend for himself outdoors and kept his distance from people. Behind his wary facade lay a sweet‚ gentle soul.At 12 years old‚ he came to Tabby's Place‚ a cat sanctuary‚ for the promise of a better life. His regal face and big paws gave the appearance of a big cat‚ a mini puma. He turned heads and attracted new admirers as staff ushered him into his new room."From the hour of his arrival‚ this noble senior tabby couldn't hide his sweet spirit beneath his layers of worry‚" Angela Townsend‚ development director of Tabby's Place‚ told Love Meow. He lived at an empty farm before he was rescuedLori via Tabby's PlaceLawrence was timid but sweet as he began acclimating to the new world around him. With ample encouragement and time‚ he mustered the courage to seek affection. He pushed his face into his people while lifting his rear high in the air."He even let us gently groom him and trim his nails (although he hugged a comforting toy tightly as we did so)." Lawrence hugged his comforting toyTabby's PlaceWhen he decided to take a leap of faith to trust‚ his purr engine erupted‚ and the walls around him began to fall. "He became our championship 'muffin-maker‚' opening his brave heart to humans and felines alike."For the first time in his life‚ Lawrence was surrounded by comfort‚ company‚ and endless enrichment toys. Tabby's PlaceHe had various napping options‚ from cubbies to beds to a mountain of blankets‚ to ensure uninterrupted sleep. Over time‚ "he learned what it means to be unconditionally adored."Majestic in appearance and tender on the inside‚ Lawrence needed a place to feel safe with someone who could bring him out of his shell. He has the appearance of a big catTabby's PlaceAfter months at the sanctuary‚ the tabby lassoed the hearts of a dream family.Mark and Susan met Lawrence last year on the day they adopted Rainey‚ the cat‚ from Tabby's Place. As Lawrence remained on the adoption list‚ they never ceased thinking about him. Tabby's PlaceThey came back around the New Year‚ ready to adopt again. Lawrence immediately tugged at their heartstrings as if he'd been expecting them.He went to his forever home with a feline companion named Yuki. He loves rubbing his face against his peopleLori via Tabby's PlaceLawrence was a bit nervous for the first few days but was reassured by a comfortable routine. He became very close to his people and showered them with love and affection like a kitten.Several weeks passed‚ and Lawrence decided to assume the role of the dining room supervisor. Now‚ he watches as the action unfolds‚ especially in the adjacent kitchen. "He has a very keen interest in cooking and baking‚" Mark and Susan shared. The dining room supervisorMark and SusanWhenever he wants attention and pets from his people‚ Lawrence burrows his face into their souls and makes biscuits with his big paws.He may be a little older and move a bit slower‚ but he has a heart of gold. Happy and lovedMark and SusanShare this story with your friends. To support Tabby's Place and their rescue efforts‚ visit their website at tabbysplace.org and Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Cat Sits Outside Building in the Same Spot for Days Until Woman Comes to Him‚ He Turns into Instant Lap Cat

'15 Days to Slow the Spread'

Talk about a disconnect between the media and the general electorate. Imagine flying all the way to Arizona to do the obligatory panel on Biden’s decline in the polls amongst Latinos‚ and having your January 6th question laughed off by the panel. That’s exactly what happened to CBS’s Weijia Jiang in Arizona. Watch: WEIJIA JIANG: President Biden has called Trump a threat to democracy and made it a central part of his campaign. Is democracy on the ballot in 2024?  STEVE MACIAS: I don't buy that argument.  RAQUEL GLOWDEN: I don’t‚ either.  MACIAS: To me‚ now‚ that's just another talking point. Every time I hear it‚ I just kind of tune it out. GLOWDEN: I know. MACIAS: It’s something that‚ you know…some focus group came up with‚ and now they're just using it to death. GLOWDEN: I really don't think they understand what democracy is when they say that. You know- the fact that there is a ballot is democracy.  That J6 question was a capper to a brutal panel- brutal for a member of the regime media trying to understand why a key 2020 Biden constituency has turned on him. It was also indicative of the broad disconnect between the elite Acela Media and the general public‚ Latino or otherwise. The panel reveals that Biden’s most glaring weaknesses are his handling of the border and of the economy- same as everyone else. And even those who had issues with Trump's rhetoric admitted to Jiang’s face that things were better when he was in office. JIANG: The economy is also a factor in how they'll vote.  GLOWDEN: It used to be that we could go out and do things‚ you know‚ go to dinner‚ you know‚ once or twice a week. Now‚ no‚ that's not happening. We have to budget everything down to -- down to the finest thing.  JIANG: Do you think the economy was better under trump?  GLOWDEN: I do.  MACIAS: Um…yeah‚ yeah‚ absolutely‚ I would say so.  During the exchange on immigration‚ Jiang repeated the “animals” hoax‚ which conflates all immigrants with criminal migrants for purposes of whenever Trump calls criminal migrants “animals”‚ as he did in 2019 with MS-13 and last weekend in Ohio‚ in reference to Laken Riley’s murderer‚ among others. Pity the Acela journalist traveling all the way to Phoenix‚ only to get reality-mugged by an electorate that Biden is supposed to have well in the bag. Click “expand” to view the full transcript of the aforementioned report as aired on CBS Evening News on Wednesday‚ March 20th‚ 2024: NORAH O’DONNELL: President Biden and former President Donald Trump cruised to victory last night in the primary elections in the battleground state of Arizona. But in tonight's "Listening to America‚" CBS's Weijia Jiang hears from voters who aren't happy with their options in the general election.  WEIJIA JIANG: Republican business owner Steve Macias voted for Donald Trump in 2020‚ but he's not sure if he will do so again. STEVE MACIAS: I- I really still have trouble trying to figure out who I'm going to vote for.  JIANG: The same goes for Democrat Paulina Flores. PAULINA FLORES: In 2020 I voted for Biden. JIANG: And independent Raquel Glowden.  RAQUEL GLOWDEN: I voted for Donald Trump.  JIANG: What happened in the past three years‚ or didn't happen‚ that you are still so undecided about who to vote for?  FLORES: It's almost like there's too many chefs in the kitchen‚ or there isn't a main chef in the kitchen.  MACIAS: On the Biden side‚ you know‚ I was thinking‚ well‚ okay‚ good‚ he is the adult in the room‚ at least. He's been through this. This will be calm. And it hasn't.  JIANG: Since winning Arizona in 2020‚ support for President Biden‚ who spoke outside Phoenix today‚ has softened among Latino voters. The Latino vote helped Biden clinch wins here in Arizona. Do you think he’s done enough to maintain that lead here?  MACIAS: I think his Latino numbers will go down. JIANG: In part because they say Biden has not done enough to deal with issues at the southern border.  GLOWDEN: He put his vice president in charge of the border czar‚ and then what happened? She just disappeared. So does he really care about it?  JIANG: But they can't get behind Trump's divisive rhetoric‚ recently calling migrants animals.  MACIAS: I mean come every time I think‚ maybe there is a chance I will vote for him‚ stuff like that comes out and like‚ ehhhh.  FLORES: And then he says something like‚ “Ooh‚ I shouldn’t have said that‚ dude.”  GLOWDEN: Makes you cringe.  JIANG: The economy is also a factor in how they'll vote.  GLOWDEN: It used to be that we could go out and do things‚ you know‚ go to dinner‚ you know‚ once or twice a week. Now‚ no‚ that's not happening. We have to budget everything down to -- down to the finest thing.  JIANG: Do you think the economy was better under trump?  GLOWDEN: I do.  MACIAS: Um…yeah‚ yeah‚ absolutely‚ I would say so.  JIANG: President Biden has called Trump a threat to democracy and made it a central part of his campaign. Is democracy on the ballot in 2024?  MACIAS: I don't buy that argument.  GLOWDEN: I don’t‚ either.  MACIAS: To me‚ now‚ that's just another talking point. Every time I hear it‚ I just kind of tune it out. GLOWDEN: I know. MACIAS: It’s something that‚ you know…some focus group came up with‚ and now they're just using it to death. GLOWDEN: I really don't think they understand what democracy is when they say that. You know- the fact that there is a ballot is democracy.  JIANG: In our conversation‚ age also came up as a major issue. And that’s why the voters said they are paying close attention to Vice President Kamala Harris and to whoever Trump chooses as his running mate. They said it could be a deciding factor‚ Norah. O’DONNELL: Weijia Jiang for us in Arizona. Thank you so much.  

The patriarch of the Bush political dynasty‚ Prescott Bush represented Connecticut in the U.S. Senate from 1952 to 1963 — and paved the way for both his son and grandson to become presidents. The post Who Was Prescott Bush‚ The Father Of George H.W. Bush? appeared first on All That's Interesting.

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