This week we welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk retired from a long career in pastoral ministry, denominational leadership and theological education. He now works in global fair trade. Weird is one of those words of which it could be said, “We know it when we see it.” But describing or defining what makes somethingContinue reading “Let’s admit it, sometimes the Bible is weird – 1st Samuel 28-30, Part 1”
Tag Archives: culture
How Christians can avoid getting sucked into outrage culture – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 5
We Christians are known for practicing the ethics of the Kingdom of Jesus: truth-telling, humility, selfless sacrifice, generosity, hope, peacemaking, and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Or are we? Sadly, across our country some Christians have chosen anger, meanness, spite, bitterness, and attack. We American Christians far too often in recent years, haveContinue reading “How Christians can avoid getting sucked into outrage culture – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 5”
The battle with “Bigger is Better,” and 2 other battles I wasn’t prepared for…and one great joy – What I wish I would have known before becoming a pastor, Part 5
All week long on the blog, I’ve been trying to answer the question: “What I wish I would have known before becoming a pastor.” In this final post in the series, I have a few more responses. I wasn’t prepared for the Christianity of it all. My life is in large part wrapped up inContinue reading “The battle with “Bigger is Better,” and 2 other battles I wasn’t prepared for…and one great joy – What I wish I would have known before becoming a pastor, Part 5″
Should women be pastors? – Q & A, Part 2
This week we take a break from our Relationships in the Church series. At Faith Church this past week I gave a Q & A sermon. I asked the congregation for questions ahead of time, and then I attempted to bring biblical theology to bear on their questions. What do you think about the roleContinue reading “Should women be pastors? – Q & A, Part 2”
Cliques in the church are good thing? – Meeting together, Part 5
Over the years people in my church have expressed concern that there are cliques in our church family. The word “clique” reminds me of my high school cafeteria. You could look across the large space full of tables and see the cliques, the small groups of people, like the football players, the cheerleaders, the academics, the bandContinue reading “Cliques in the church are good thing? – Meeting together, Part 5”
Are you struggling with fear? – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 2
Are things in our world getting worse? While politicians boldly declare that crime is on the rise, an FBI report says the opposite: “Not only has violent crime fallen 23% from 2002 to 2022, but also in the past year alone murders fell 6% and violent crime declined 2% overall.” (Source: Time) It can be difficultContinue reading “Are you struggling with fear? – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 2”
A clash of cultures in the church – How to interact with people who view the world differently than you, Part 2
As I mentioned in the previous post, 1st Corinthians Paul brings up an issue that was dividing the Corinthian church. Some were okay with the issue, some were not okay, and people were offended. What was this offensive issue? Here’s what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 8:1-8, “Now about food sacrificed to idols: We knowContinue reading “A clash of cultures in the church – How to interact with people who view the world differently than you, Part 2”
How should Christians interact with the world? – John 15:18-16:4, Preview
How should Christians interact with the world? Here in Lancaster County we have some unique examples of Christians who have chosen to separate themselves from the world, at least in part. Our plain neighbors have largely been successful for centuries in creating a separate culture within the larger culture. Yes, most Lancastrians have stories aboutContinue reading “How should Christians interact with the world? – John 15:18-16:4, Preview”
We need flourishing-producing togetherness for…Creating Culture, Part 5
I traveled with my wife Michelle to Cambodia in 2016. We visited the town where an organization named Agape is located. Agape rescues formerly trafficked women, helps them find healing, introduces them to Jesus, and gives them job training in a steady, safe employment environment. Michelle’s company employed the women to make a variety ofContinue reading “We need flourishing-producing togetherness for…Creating Culture, Part 5”
Jesus’ disciples followed his lead in…Creating Culture, Part 4
Enlivened by his Spirit, Jesus’ new community launched on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). On that day, Jesus’ disciples preached to the descendants of Israel, Jewish pilgrims from many lands who gathered in the city of Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. What started as a Christian community of 120 men and women, led by Jesus’,Continue reading “Jesus’ disciples followed his lead in…Creating Culture, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 