Blog (Page 6)

Light and darkness are “archetypal” i.e., a recurring theme not only in the Bible, but in philosophy, literature and stories throughout history. From Star Wars disturbances in the force from “The Dark Side” to the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato, the struggle between light and darkness is well published. The Scriptures are replete with descriptions and illustrations of the spiritual battle between darkness and light as well! The Gospel of John prologue synthesizes it with inspirational precision, “The light shines in…

This Sunday is about introducing new things! A new worship series; a new child of God introduced to the waters of Baptism and a new guest Master Musician to bring sacred song into worship. “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” – John (20.31) Here’s the purpose of the Gospel of John and the central purpose of our new…

In the concluding installment of “The Love Paradox” worship series, we’ll receive the Gospel call from Jesus to join him in “unforced rhythms of grace.” (Matthew 11.29) We’ll discover or be reminded that not only is there directive from God – there is illustration of how the Creator Himself to follow the “Engage. Disengage. Repeat.” pattern for life. Little more needs to be said about the “Engage. Engage. Repeat” pattern emerging in culture. Flat screens everywhere, smart phones even more…

“Resistance is futile.” – The Borg (of Star Trek: Next Generation fame) It’s one of the largest, most glaring lies told by the fictitious Borg – and more to the point – by demons every day. This temptation tool is designed to deflate hope and faith and substitute quick fix and despair. The Bible essentially defines spiritual warfare (i.e., resistance to spiritual maturity) in three areas, the world, the flesh and the devil. The pollution of a fallen creation means…

Relationship is Divine! Eternal. Everywhere. Always. God has only revealed himself in relationship! In Genesis 1, God says, to his Triune self, “Let us make man in our image…” In John’s Gospel prologue, the Word is both God and with God. (John 1.1f) At Jesus’ baptism the Spirit descended, and the Father made his Voice of blessing heard. There are myriad of examples of our God as three in one – our singularly plural God in relationship with Himself. And…

“Love your neighbor instead of yourself” said No One, Ever! This is one of those misquotes that may sound reasonable, even “Biblical” but is, upon closer inspection, neither. “Life is depleting, so try to preserve life” isn’t as clear a misquote but seems to be one of the common ways we approach life…something to be preserved. Then…Jesus enters time and space and says, actually, “Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve…

While I’m not a “new year’s resolution kinda guy” I’m confident God’s intention and design is to constantly renew – to make all things new! (Revelation 21.5) With that Spirit, welcome to a new year and a new you! Here’s what’s new: New worship times at 9AM and 11AM! From now through Easter, we’ll celebrate worship at two (nearly) identical services! New worship series, “The Love Paradox.” This is the book I authored as a culmination of my doctoral work.…

Okay…Advent has been answering the above question, “What child is this?” in developmental sequence. We began where God first knew us – in eternity! With the plan established in forever, Jesus left his High Place and became the focus of God’s Plan to enter time and space to redeem us from its fallen consequences (ourselves). Configured with the massive information found in DNA, conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit, nurtured as an embryo in the depth of Mom, and…

Answering the question, “What child is this?” is as profound as eternity and as simple as the explanation to a 2-year old, “It’s baby Jesus in a manger.” It’s as profound as being known from eternity and as simple as knowing you are loved unconditionally, today. It’s as profound as Jesus receiving the tens of thousands of bytes and bits that make up the human genome and as clear as the blue eyes you and your mom share. This Sunday,…

Leprosy is ugly. I saw a leper in my time in India and he was hard to look at. I struggled not to turn away, but I did. Although we now know it is hard to contract, they didn’t know that in Biblical times. It’s ugliness supplied the fear and perhaps the only thing worse than the disease was the isolation that resulted. Imagine being shunned at every turn; never touched, embraced, caressed, kissed – ever again. So… what Jesus…