The Gospel of Luke has important words for the down-and-out; but it also has just as much to say to the up-and-out. The message is clear: God’s love liberates us from the tyranny of more.
Improving our ‘backpack’ self-awareness – for our sake and the sake of others
We all carry invisible backpacks or baggage. Just make sure the contents are appropriate and the straps are secured. And be aware of others. They’re carrying a load, too.
Love the church you have
Churches must be courageous and open to change. But sometimes, amid all the pulse-taking, evaluations, strategy planning and critiquing, we forget to love the church we have.
Nationalism and the tribal god it creates
Instead of worshipping a Cosmic Christ, many have settled for a tribal deity who suits our tribal behavior. The result? A nationalism which places country above God and uses religion to justify any means.
Wisdom from Lincoln: Even with a compass, we still may have to traverse chasms and swamps
Lincoln seemed to be at peace disappointing his supporters and infuriating his enemies. He not only had a compass; he also had a plan for specific steps on the journey.
John the Baptist and religious liberty: getting right what many evangelical preachers get wrong
John the Baptist spoke truth to power, refused to pander to politicians and insisted that no earthly kingdom is coterminous with the Kingdom of God. In other words, John got right what many evangelical preachers get wrong.
Lessons for life and faith after a devastating tornado
An AF-3 tornado ripped through our city. Among the lessons in its aftermath: Life’s storms always leave us changed; our faith response will determine whether or not they leave us better.
Church and creation care: we need a theology-before-politics approach
What has happened to us, that conversations about our cosmic home have become so divisive? What would happen if we were all curious enough to learn from science, scripture and one another?
How real should pastors be in the pulpit?
Congregations have a right to expect their pastor to be real while also respecting appropriate boundaries. In turn, pastors have a right to embrace their humanity and for their churches to remember that the Word became flesh, not marble.