Sometimes people have bizarre reactions when they learn I am a pastor. If they had been cursing, once they find out I’m a pastor, they’ll over-apologize and try to stop. Often they’ll ask where Faith Church is and talk about how they’ll visit some Sunday. Even people within our church family can have strange reactions. Continue reading “How all Christians should identify as priests”
Tag Archives: Jesus
Would you go to a church named “The Church of the Holy Royal Priesthood of the Living Stones”?
I would like to propose a new church name: Church of The Holy Royal Priesthood of the Living Stones. Do you like it? Would you go to that church? I don’t know if I would. I’d be thinking, “Huh? Something is off there.” I would really be suspicious of going to a church with thatContinue reading “Would you go to a church named “The Church of the Holy Royal Priesthood of the Living Stones”?”
The cause and cure for spiritually malnourished Christians
Hey there, Christians. Quick question for you: are you spiritually mature? Take a few minutes and think about that. Pause reading the rest of this post, and really try to answer this question. I am concerned that though Peter is very clear in 1 Peter 2:1-3 that we need to crave pure spiritual milk fromContinue reading “The cause and cure for spiritually malnourished Christians”
Two odd but important Christian phrases about becoming spiritually mature
If you’ve ever watched a newborn nursing or drinking from a bottle, it is wild how hungry they can be. As they grow a few months, and they start to be a bit more aware, they can get very excited when you start talking about their bottle. They shake, they wave their arms, and sometimesContinue reading “Two odd but important Christian phrases about becoming spiritually mature”
The one thing needed for a church to become a family
One church I visited during sabbatical did something that weirded me out a bit. You know what they did? During the worship service they introduced themselves to new guests by saying, “We’re a family here, and we want you to be a part of our family.” You might be thinking, “Joel, why did that weirdContinue reading “The one thing needed for a church to become a family”
Why the bizarre Christian teaching to be strangers and fearful actually makes a lot of sense
“Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.” I love that phrase. It even rhymes. You know where it is from? It is from the biblical book of 1st Peter, chapter 1 verse 17. I’ve been posting all week about being strangers. You can read the previous posts (here, here and here) to seeContinue reading “Why the bizarre Christian teaching to be strangers and fearful actually makes a lot of sense”
The one thing you need (to make it as a stranger in the world)
In a world of partiality and discrimination and bias, where is the one place that still considers everyone impartially? The church? Nope. Martin Luther King Jr. said years ago that Sunday morning is one of the most racially segregated places in America, and it is still true today. I read an article this week thatContinue reading “The one thing you need (to make it as a stranger in the world)”
4 pieces of advice to those who are suffering
Have you ever suffered specifically because you are a Christian? I don’t know that I have, at least not in ways that would be considered significant suffering, or suffering that led to bodily harm or loss of opportunity or privilege. Yesterday, I related a story from author Scot McKnight who counseled a teenager who didContinue reading “4 pieces of advice to those who are suffering”
Satan did not break my lawn mower
Are any of you suffering? Any of you going through a hard time? How does it feel? Lonely, right? Maybe you feel people just don’t understand. Or your suffering might be ongoing, and you feel you are a burden to the people around you. You worry about that, and your worry only compounds the suffering.Continue reading “Satan did not break my lawn mower”
How to have an inheritance that cannot be squandered
Michelle and I both had grandparents pass away in the last few years, and we have watched our parents and their siblings handle their parents’ estates. Sometimes inheritances are smooth and easy. Sometimes they are a bit complex. One time Faith Church received a bequest from a parishioner who passed away, and it took nearlyContinue reading “How to have an inheritance that cannot be squandered”
Engaging Scripture 