Church
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It is my hope that the following statement offends just about everyone who regularly reads my blog, because I have something BEYOND that to which we need our attention drawn: For evangelical Christians and gay rights folks in America, here is the stark truth: none of us know persecution. The current broohaha over the Arizona bill… Read more
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We need the tie of generations in the faith because each generation can demonstration the depth of faith that is possible. We can observe that in the generations that came before. We can learn from them. When we demonstrate the depth of faith, a faith that cannot be shaken, and demonstrate the faithfulness of God, we… Read more
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For my denomination it seems so long compared to other groups, but we’re making some nice steps. For our own (small) church we are seeing two women go through the ordination process. I am excited for the ground they are helping to break. I am thankful they are ministers with me in our church. We… Read more
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It’s not about particular sins. It’s about SIN. It’s about our rebellion against God. It’s about our desire to be our own little gods. But when we are in our own little rebellions, we feel better about pointing out someone else’s “worse” sin. I pray for the day, just in my own life, when I’m done… Read more
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When we don’t trust the unity that is in Christ, we default into manipulation. We manipulate through legalism or hyper-spirituality. We need to trust the One in whom all things hold together. 16 So don’t let anyone judge you about eating or drinking or about a festival, a new moon observance, or sabbaths. 17 These religious practices… Read more
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Our subject matter in our church today was heavy. We had a couple come in and talk to us about human trafficking. I then see this article posted tonight. The U.S. is in the top 5 in human trafficking. We probably have more people bound in sexual slavery in the U.S. today than we had… Read more
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Pope Francis made some very pointed remarks about the need to train new priests. Some of his comments are so needed in our training of pastors in protestant circles as well: “Formation (of future priests) is a work of art, not a police action. We must form their hearts. Otherwise we are creating little monsters.… Read more
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Not being Catholic has never kept me from admiring good leadership. And this pope has such a pastoral heart. “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel) was released by the pope today. I have downloaded it, but here are some choice thoughts: “The great danger in today’s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is… Read more
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Two very different takes on just how Christianity is “doing” in different parts of the world show our tendency toward tribalism. In the Middle East there are dire warnings of Christianity becoming extinct in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Manhattan seems to be on the verge of a new revival! So, which is it? As Anthony Bradley points… Read more
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We really like this stuff. (I was so tempted to say, “We really eat this up.“) Tales from the crypt about horrible church experiences. Bad church. BAD CHURCH! And we shake our all too righteous fingers at it like it’s a dog that just wet the carpet. But… it makes headlines… and we eat it up. (Sorry. The… Read more
Apprentice 2 Jesus 