Author Archives: Chaplainmike

Against Sermonic, Neo-Puritan Prayers

As usual, John Piper’s theological and (I assume) pastoral instincts have led him to speak publicly about the hurricanes that have brought such chaos and damage upon our part of the world recently. Piper’s pronouncements have not turned out well in the past, from my perspective. At least this time, he gave us a prayerContinue reading “Against Sermonic, Neo-Puritan Prayers”

13th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week

(Click on picture for larger image) • • • Today we hear from Bach’s cantata Du sollst Gott, deinen Herren, lieben (Thou shalt love God, thy Lord) , which Simon Crouch calls “a most beautiful and profound and yet, at the same time, intimate work” about loving God and one’s neighbor. Using chorales from Martin Luther,Continue reading “13th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week”

The IM Saturday Brunch: September 9, 2017

THE INTERNET MONK SATURDAY BRUNCH ”It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.” Chaplains will accept your gracious offer too! • • • FAITH AND FOOTBALL It is the first weekend of theContinue reading “The IM Saturday Brunch: September 9, 2017”

Ordinary Time Bible Study: Philippians — Friends in the Gospel (12)

Ordinary Time Bible Study Philippians: Friends in the Gospel Study Twelve: Examples of the Jesus-shaped Life • • • PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for yourContinue reading “Ordinary Time Bible Study: Philippians — Friends in the Gospel (12)”

Floods, Climate Change, and Christian Credulity

Floods, Climate Change, and Christian Credulity Like many of you, I was astounded and appalled at the results of Hurricane Harvey on the Houston area.  Appalled at the extent of the suffering undergone by so many of my fellow countrymen.  Astounded at how much rain fell in so short of period of time. For aContinue reading “Floods, Climate Change, and Christian Credulity”

The Shape of the Jesus Story and the Jesus-Shaped Life

The Shape of the Jesus Story and the Jesus-Shaped Life Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. • 1 Corinthians 11:1 • • • Michael J. Gorman calls the narrative celebrated in the Christ-hymn of Philippians 2:6-11 “Paul’s Master Story.” Less widely recognized is the evidence that this text permeates all his letters,Continue reading “The Shape of the Jesus Story and the Jesus-Shaped Life”

Priorities find the right track in “The Lansdale Statement”

Note from CM: This is from the official website of Lansdale Borough, PA: “For those seeking a suburban sanctuary with urban sensibilities, Lansdale is an established, walkable, close-knit neighborhood conveniently centered on mobility where priorities find the right track.” I think this statement by friend, mentor, and Lansdale resident Peter Enns indeed exemplifies Christian prioritiesContinue reading “Priorities find the right track in “The Lansdale Statement””

12th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week (+ bonus hymn!)

(Click on picture for larger image) • • • Today… An All-Time Favorite One of Bach’s cantatas for Trinity 12 takes a different form. Cantata BWV 137 creates variations on the five verses of Joachim Neander’s great hymn,“Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren,” which English hymn singers know as, “Praise to the Lord,Continue reading “12th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week (+ bonus hymn!)”