The American Church falters and it grows more and more obvious that it does so without a clue.
My reading to day was from Jeremiah 8, so I will continue on this theme of refusing to repent because it runs parallel to our own day.
Read moreThe refusal of repentance
It’s probably an apocryphal story, but I do love it:
According to a popular story that has circulated for a long time, a well known London newspaper in the early part of the twentieth century (usually stated to be The Times) asked the question “What is wrong with the world?” and received many replies. The shortest was from G.K. Chesterton, simply consisting of “I am.”
Read moreBefore the election…
The longer I live, the more I realize that we simply don’t know who we truly are until we’re tested. We can vocalize our beliefs all day long, but when living those beliefs is hard—when upholding our principles carries a cost—that’s when we learn what we truly value. — David French
Read moreOur grand invitation
Matthew 7:13–14 (NIV)
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
I recently finished up another journey through the Sermon on the Mount and come away once again with awe. The Kingdom of God is so grand and powerful and our King invites us into this incredible life.
Read moreRooting out our deep sin
The deep sin of racism is far more embedded in white American Christianity than we are willing to admit. We struggle in our collective sin mainly because evangelical Christianity (and fundamentalism on the right) focuses on the “individual” sin to the detriment of recognizing community sin.
Examples:
Read moreWe have refused to listen
- We have refused to listen attentively to our black and brown brothers’ and sisters’ cry for justice. Lord, have mercy.
- We have been deaf to the prophet’s call: “And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.” (Isaiah 5:7b). Lord, have mercy.
A call to prayer and repentance in the time of coronavirus
Tragedy and joy all mix in our world
There isn’t a time with only joy. There isn’t a time with only sorrow. And I’m grateful. This weekend has been full of sorrow, or should be, in our nation. But there is joy in the mix as well.
Read moreThe way forward is repentance not just policy changes
Willow Creek has had scandal hit it in the last several months. The way forward is repentance, which does not seem to be happening very well.
Read moreThe agendas that ruin us
Here is the message from Jesus: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (Mark 1:15, ESV)
I like the Common English Bible on this one: Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!
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