Listen, Christian... We need to talk... And I need you to listen. I know your first reaction will be to want to jump in and say something. But please fight that urge. Just listen. By now you've seen the reports of the terrorist attack that happened in Charleston, South Carolina. And I know you've seen … Continue reading Christian, We Need To Talk…..
Some thoughts on the Grace of God. I was asked to offer a reflection on God's grace for an interment of one the true gems of our congregation, Kim. Below is my attempt to offer something meaningful. ------------------ Think of a gift you’ve received. But not just any gift. Think of something that you were given … Continue reading Goodness Gracious
Stop domesticating Jesus! You want prayer in schools, but you can’t stand the sight of people of faith praying in the streets. You want a nation that reflects “Christian values,” but you turn a blind eye to injustice perpetrated against the immigrant, the outcast, and those on the fringes of society. You’re so convinced that … Continue reading “I Can’t Breathe…” – Jesus
Faith. Aside from “God” or “Jesus,” “faith” is one of the most common words heard at church. But what does it mean? What is faith? What does it mean to have faith? As with most things, it seems, I think I have more questions than answers. When I was in junior high, I heard that, … Continue reading Advent Devotional: Thursday, December 4
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on October 19, 2014 * Text: 2 Samuel 12:1-9 Well, I’m sorry to say you’ve been duped again. Last week, we had a seemingly innocent story about heritage, which Pastor Tim turned into a sermon about stewardship; and I have to apologize because this week we … Continue reading Here’s To You!
Many Christians I know hold up Micah 6:8 as one of the prime examples of how to live a Christian life. The verse is often translated: “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God?” Really nice sentiments, and honestly, not a bad way to live. … Continue reading Make Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly
A few weeks ago, I ended my post with a question: Can I hold hope? I'm not sure I have an answer, but I've got a few more thoughts. ------------ I’m not a particularly graceful person. I’m clunky. I’m a little oddly-shaped. I’m slightly awkward. My feet turn inward. I stumble, misstep, drop, falter, and … Continue reading Holding Hope
My emotions and feelings reached a tipping point this morning. It wasn’t one singular thing that did it; I think it had just been building up over the past few weeks, and this morning I’m feeling compelled to write about it. First, to recap for those of you who are just tuning in: At the … Continue reading Religious Freedom: I Do Not Think That Phrase Means What You Think It Means
the narrow way 