Have you heard of the Pennsylvania Walking Purchase? I have lived in Pennsylvania nearly my entire life, and I took PA History in high school. I do not remember hearing about the Walking Purchase before this week, when a question came to mind, “How was Pennsylvania land obtained by the English?” I searched that questionContinue reading “The Walking Purchase (aka how indigenous peoples were cheated out of land that became Pennsylvania) and the Third Sabbath – Jubilee, Part 2”
Tag Archives: redemption
Why you don’t know your great-grandparents’ names – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 3
My 2yr-old grandson calls me “Pop-Pop,” because I wanted to be called “Pop-Pop” after my grandfather. He calls my wife, “Grammy” because that’s what some of our best friends’ daughter called her grandmother, who was another close friend who passed away in 2020 after battling cancer. These are both individuals we loved and admired. WeContinue reading “Why you don’t know your great-grandparents’ names – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 3”
We are restored for mission – John 21, Part 5
Jesus responded to Peter’s three denials by with three restorations. Though Peter had committed a terrible offense to Jesus, Jesus does not see Peter as beyond help. Do you see what this means? You are not beyond God’s love and forgiveness. You are not beyond God’s redemption. You are loved and forgiven. God can redeemContinue reading “We are restored for mission – John 21, Part 5”
The Uberman Sleep Cycle, Time Travel, and figuring out God’s Plan – Ecclesiastes 8:16-9:10, Part 1
A couple weeks ago I sent a church-wide email with resources for tending to our mental health. I had received it from Messiah University, and I adapted it for our church. I sent it along because God cares about our mental health. I heard back from a number of people expressing their thanks because 2020Continue reading “The Uberman Sleep Cycle, Time Travel, and figuring out God’s Plan – Ecclesiastes 8:16-9:10, Part 1”
My six visits to a courtroom – Our Identity: In God, Part 3
I have been inside a courtroom for official court proceedings six times in my life. The first time was my fault. I was 17, very guilty, and scared to death. I’m not going into the whole story today. If you want to learn more, I’ve written about it here. The summary is that I wasContinue reading “My six visits to a courtroom – Our Identity: In God, Part 3”
Be determined in God’s direction – Characters: Jacob, Part 5
I love the picture above. Having done a good bit of running myself, I am always amazed at people who keep at into their older years. My grandfather participated in the Senior Games into his 90s, winning speed walking events. That is the picture of determination. In this series of posts we’ve been following theContinue reading “Be determined in God’s direction – Characters: Jacob, Part 5”
God can still use you after you sin? Characters: Jacob, Part 3
Have you ever messed up and thought, I’ve ruined my life? Maybe it was a mistake a work. Maybe it was a terrible relationship choice. You might have been selfish or unkind with what you said to a family member or friend, and now things between you are cold. Are you wondering if there isContinue reading “God can still use you after you sin? Characters: Jacob, Part 3”
How to be adopted into God’s family – Titus 2:11-15, Part 4
Would you say that you are close to God? Or distant? Thinking in family terms, would you say you are part of God’s family? I recently blogged about the phrase that people sometimes use, “We’re all God’s children.” As I reflected on that phrase, I found it needed further explanation. You can read that postContinue reading “How to be adopted into God’s family – Titus 2:11-15, Part 4”
Guest Post: Why We Tell Our Stories
Today’s guest post is once again written by Lisa Bartelt as a follow-up to last week’s post. We thank Lisa and her husband Phil for sharing their lives with us! The past two Sundays at Faith Church, we’ve shared stories of restoration. Personal stories from the teaching team of how God has taken broken,Continue reading “Guest Post: Why We Tell Our Stories”
Engaging Scripture 