For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29d-30) On a mid-December weekend, I traveled from north central to southeast Pennsylvania for a special recognition of a friend and former pastoral colleague. In 1990, he and I and one other person were the founding pastors of a unique […]
The Gospel of Luke portrays Jesus coming to earth as well as entering Jerusalem as a king in glory and peace. Yet, Jesus’s actions indicate an understanding of glory and peace that are different than the world’s understanding.
Human beings are said to be created in the image of God. What does that mean? We can examine the context around this Biblical proclamation in Genesis 1:26–28.
Managers in God’s Creation Read More »
We have now entered the season of the church year called Epiphany. The word “Epiphany” has roots in a Greek word meaning ”to shine forth.” While we celebrate the birth of Jesus as Israel’s Messiah in the Christmas season, Epiphany celebrates the revelation or shining forth of the Messiah as the light of the world, a light to all nations.
Reflections on Epiphany 2021 Read More »
Advent joy is different than the fleeting happiness of a “Merry Christmas.” Elizabeth and Mary sing a song that envisions God’s saving power over the oppressive powers of this world.
Whose Song Will We Sing? Read More »
“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (Jesus in John 12:24) We live in an age of great change, and great change usually means great losses. How will we respond?
Institutions and Loss Read More »
Have you ever been in a situation where you simply could not convince someone of a truth you felt was obvious and self-evident? It can be frustrating. “Why won’t they believe me?” The temptation is to become angry, to lose your temper, and swear.
Telling the Truth with Patience: Oaths Revisited Read More »
The blessings of Jesus reflect the values of the Kingdom (Empire) of Heaven which run counter the happiness the world seeks.
The Happiness of True Blessings Read More »
God blesses us. We can bless God in return. However, because of sin, our words of blessing don’t match our attitudes and actions. Then, our blessings become curses.
When Blessings Become Curses Read More »
Many of us have an ambivalent relationship with law. Just mentioning the word “law” brings up many different images in our minds. For most of us, the law means a set of fixed rules and regulations that we are supposed to live by. We operate by law at many different levels. Most of us in
Law and Relationships Read More »
