This week I once again welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor of 35 years who now works in international fair trade. Do you like Taylor Swift? Would you buy a Tesla? Did you get a COVID shot? Are you going to be kind to the lesbian couple that lives down theContinue reading “How Christians can respond to division in our society – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:13, Part 6”
Tag Archives: togetherness
Introducing ancient superheroes of the Bible – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Preview
This week I’m celebrating the publication of my book. While there is no doubt that the process of writing is often a solo endeavor, the reality is that a book cannot come to fruition without a lot of people supporting, encouraging and advising the writer. That team approach is certainly true of my book, whichContinue reading “Introducing ancient superheroes of the Bible – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Preview”
The power of “with” – Caring for one another, Part 5
I recently had lunch with a friend who has been going through a deeply difficult season of life for the past two years. It all started when his wife shocked him by separating from him, and likely turning his two teenaged sons against him. She cut off communication, and they eventually moved out. She refusedContinue reading “The power of “with” – Caring for one another, Part 5″
The earliest Christians were not perfect. But they do help us think about… Meeting together, Part 4
It is normal for pastors and church leaders to be idealistic about church, as we want our churches to be all that God wants us to be. In pursuit of the ideal, we often look to the early church as perfect. They were not perfect. But they definitely give us an excellent example, especially about how to meetContinue reading “The earliest Christians were not perfect. But they do help us think about… Meeting together, Part 4 “
How a hidden camera can help American Christians improve…Meeting together, Part 3
Imagine you are in a building like a hospital or office high-rise. You’ve just finished an important meeting on one of the upper floors, so you head for the bank of elevators. After pressing the down button, you wait until your elevator is ready, and the doors open. What you see inside surprises you. The elevator is nearly full,Continue reading “How a hidden camera can help American Christians improve…Meeting together, Part 3”
How Jesus’ baptism upends American individualism – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 4
In March 2023 I’m traveling to India to teach in my denomination’s seminary there. Initially, I was going alone, and I thought it might be a good opportunity for a solo adventure. As I invited people to preach at Faith Church for me, one of my friends asked if, instead of preaching in my absence,Continue reading “How Jesus’ baptism upends American individualism – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 4”
Your lawn matters to your community – Current Events: A Theology of Lawn Care, Part 4
A second way that The Great American Lawn is theologically instructive for Christians is related to community. While a property owner does have individual say over the state of their lawn, they are also part of a community. We Christians are right to see ourselves as part of a community. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, PaulContinue reading “Your lawn matters to your community – Current Events: A Theology of Lawn Care, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 