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!
Continue reading “The agendas that ruin us”Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness,may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Collect for Peace
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
“…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
Continue reading “The problem we won’t face”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.”
Continue reading “What if we actually REPENTED”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. Continue reading “The sign of Jonah”
Over the past few years I’ve witnessed a historical shift in American life. Growing up in a politically active time and family, I had enjoyed politics and national issues. That has eroded over time.
Yet, that doesn’t disappoint or grieve. That grief in my heart is over the American Church.
Over the past several days I have simply put”Today would be a good day for the American Church to repent” on social media. When others post things like, “Pray for America” I cringe. It’s the church that is need of repentance.
There is a window of opportunity for repentance in the American Church, but that window is soon closing. After that will come a version of our own “Babylonian captivity.” Religious leaders will blame the culture, the liberals, etc. They will be wrong.
This is on us. And we failed to repent.
This is the grief in my heart.
Over the past few weeks, I have not been released from a burden to pray for the Church, especially in America. At the beginning of this year, the Lord spoke to me about a window of opportunity for the American Church to truly repent. That window is closing. Will we repent? Continue reading “Worthwhile (and necessary) reading”
