Apprentice 2 Jesus

Church

  • Can we say “Rise up and walk”

    Quite probably an apocryphal story, but one I still find relevant in our time: According to Cornelius a Lapide, Thomas Aquinas once called on Pope Innocent II when the latter was counting out a large sum of money. “You see, Thomas,” said the Pope, “the church can no longer say, ‘Silver and gold have I… Read more

  • No wonder they wanted to shut up Jeremiah

    I am working through a hard passage in Jeremiah related to some writing I’ve called “Living in Babylon.” I’ve avoided getting to deep into this passage because of the direct implications it has on the American Church… and I have no interest whatsoever in being “wacky prophet guy.” But… God has turned me into “wacky… Read more

  • The problem we won’t face

    “…sin is not so much naughty actions or even egregious wrongdoing; it is an infectious disease.” — Fleming Rutledge, The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ Read more

  • What if we actually REPENTED

    Story after story has piled up in the past two years (and, of course, longer). Yet… nothing has resulted in the way of Church response other than suggested “policy changes.” Read more

  • Incarnation — the work of God in a weary world

    I remember hearing the story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the writing of his poem, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”. I was reminded of it again as I read an article by Kristen O’Neal on the subject of the poem. The entire article is well worth your time to read. These last few… Read more

  • Our true fear

    Our true fear as culturalized Christians is we like power and provision. We’re doing well. We’re in the spheres of influence. To give that up willingly is an abhorrent thought. Read more

  • The watchman on the wall

    I am reading back through Ezekiel these days, asking the Lord about “imagination.” As I read through the early part of Ezekiel again, I am struck by Ezekiel’s call. I also think of Jeremiah’s call. They were to warn clearly regardless of the response. If they didn’t give the warning, God would hold them (the prophets)… Read more

  • We’ve camped at the mountain too long

    What is the greatest enemy facing the Church in America today? “The treacherous enemy facing the church of Jesus Christ today is the dictatorship of the routine, when the routine becomes ‘lord’ in the life of the church. Programs are organized and the prevailing conditions are accepted as normal. Anyone can predict next Sunday’s service… Read more

  • The witness of the American Church and elections

    This pastor is one I have as a “friend” on Facebook. I love reading his blog as well. His views on the American Church and elections are something I think should be heard. Of course, there is disagreement. But this interview is worth 20 or so minutes of listening. Read more

  • The sign of Jonah

    In Luke 11:29 people ask for yet another sign from Jesus. Too often we are asking for a sign and don’t know what we’re asking in that request. Read more