Merry Christmas Everyone! It’ that time again when Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. Two gospels offer a narrative about Jesus’ birth, Matthew, and Luke. Mark and John omit the story to focus on other parts of the gospel story. This year I am rereading the Gospel of Mark and looking at its telling of … Continue reading Gospel
Faith and Thought
Uncertainty
One of the certain things about life is that life is full of uncertainty. Happily, as Christians, we do not navigate the uncertainty of life alone. We place our hope in an imminent and loving God who is reconciling the world through his son. The life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus is a testimony … Continue reading Uncertainty
Knowing Christ
“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8 NLT) The apostle Paul, before his Damascus experience, measured his life according to some of the same things many people use to identify themselves even today. Paul grew up clinging to his religious upbringing, his participation … Continue reading Knowing Christ
The First Psalm
After more than a month sheltering in place, the shift of the world has sunk in. I have sat in an empty building for five weeks now. While some of that time was spent navigating the overwhelming technological shift that occurred for our congregation, life has demanded time for meditation. For centuries, Christians have relied … Continue reading The First Psalm
What Nourishes Me, Part 3
This month I want to share a little about Lent. Over the last two pilgrim articles I have shared a little of what is nourishing me in hopes that some might benefit as well. This month I have been thinking about how to prepare for Easter and Lent seems a natural opportunity to help set … Continue reading What Nourishes Me, Part 3
What Nourishes Me, Again
Following the theme of “What Nourishes Me,” from last month, I want to share some more this month. Its no small thing that God sees us, don’t you think? Many people remember the passage that says, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even … Continue reading What Nourishes Me, Again
What Nourishes Me Today for Tomorrow?
Every New Year is an opportunity to look backwards and think forward. In my case, as I reflect on the last year, what I see is God teaching me to walk faithfully in uncertainty. That’s how the last three years have gone. Walking faithfully in uncertainty has taught me that the way God uses our … Continue reading What Nourishes Me Today for Tomorrow?
Is God a God of Hospitality?
Some of the ideas people have about God make him into a God of retribution rather than mercy. In this message, I attempt to tackle two difficult passages that have shaped, in an unhealthy way, how we see God. The story reflects back on the tale of two cities called Sodom and Gomorrah. Is God … Continue reading Is God a God of Hospitality?
Reconcile with Me
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24) Imagine traveling all the way from Galilee to Jerusalem, 80 miles. … Continue reading Reconcile with Me
Salt
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” (Matthew 5:13) If the beatitudes are a picture of the kingdom, the disciples are proof that God’s kingdom … Continue reading Salt
