Nuance is an endangered species. Few people offer it, few people seem willing to tolerate it. But a lack of nuance leads to a confusing cognitive dissonance. On the far right of the Christian political spectrum are those who contend America was and should be again a Christian nation. This group wants to reintroduce biblical … Continue reading Nuance is Needed: Foreigners in Israel, America, and the Church
theological
It’s Complicated
I've recently been listening to an incredibly interesting book, The Protest History of the United States. Author, civil rights attorney and professor Gloria Browne-Marshall, describes the world as a "blessedly beautiful yet humanly hostile" place to live. In other words, it's complicated. That corresponds to what I see in the news. There is tremendous goodness … Continue reading It’s Complicated
Faith Complete by Works
Last week I preached from James 2:14-26, a passage that speaks of the importance of good works in the life of the believer. I stressed that, for James, it's NOT FAITH + WORKS = SALVATION. He didn't preach "add some works to your faith, then you'll be saved." What he does say is FAITH = … Continue reading Faith Complete by Works
Flooded with Glory
Last night I was talking with a friend about some of the world's glaring evils. It was a good, but hard conversation and I was sad afterward. A heaviness settled in. I went to the basement, turned on football and grabbed a book I was trying to finish off (it had grown tedious). But a … Continue reading Flooded with Glory
Cutting Room Floor: Three applications of Colossians 1:15-20
Not every sermon needs to end with three points of application because sometimes, knowing the glory of Jesus better is the point of the sermon. Last Sunday sermon had application woven throughout - worship Jesus, submit all the areas of your life to Christ, etc., but the focus was definitely not practical application. There were … Continue reading Cutting Room Floor: Three applications of Colossians 1:15-20
God Entranced 