Random Thoughts on the 1st Monday of a New Season

New Season It is a new season in my life today. Yesterday I began an internship of leading worship, preaching, and providing pastoral care in my home church. Our pastor and his family left for Spain on his sabbatical last week. I spent my first day in the office last Friday. I preached on theContinue reading “Random Thoughts on the 1st Monday of a New Season”

Sermon: Jesus, a Prophet for All People

Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us!’ and ‘God has looked favourably on his people!’ This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country. – Luke 7:16-17 NRSV * * * Together, this Sunday and next represent one of the reasons IContinue reading “Sermon: Jesus, a Prophet for All People”

Summer Sounds from CM – 6/1/13

OK, so I’m cutting back on my writing. Starting Monday, I will be at your service only on Mondays and Thursdays for awhile. On one of those days each week through the summer, I will have a post devoted to music I love, strictly for your summer listening enjoyment. Well, maybe not strictly. It’s alsoContinue reading “Summer Sounds from CM – 6/1/13”

The Goal of Spiritual Formation

“This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience — Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man.” “Atticus, you must be wrong….” “How’s that?” “Well, most folks seem to think they’re right and you’re wrong….” “They’re certainly entitledContinue reading “The Goal of Spiritual Formation”

God’s Spiritual Formation “Program”

In the final analysis, there is one thing that enables believers to grow in Christ. Few are willing to put it that starkly. In fact, there is so much false advertising out there about what actually equips people to change, develop personally, and become mature followers of Jesus, that we have become utterly confused and inContinue reading “God’s Spiritual Formation “Program””

Another Look: The Contexts of Faith

Much Christian piety and spirituality is romantic and unreal in its positiveness. As children of the Enlightenment, we have censored and selected around the voice of darkness and disorientation, seeking to go from strength to strength, from victory to victory. But such a way not only ignores the Psalms; it is a lie in termsContinue reading “Another Look: The Contexts of Faith”

Seasons and Paths of Formation

Little children, I’m writing to you because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus’ name. Parents, I’m writing to you because you have known the one who has existed from the beginning. Young people, I’m writing to you because you have conquered the evil one. Little children, I write to you because you know the Father. Parents,Continue reading “Seasons and Paths of Formation”

What’s Being Said about the SGM Scandal

UPDATE: Today, Rachel Held Evans posted on this subject as well, saying something extremely important that we affirm as well: we support and love the survivors of abuse, and pray with you for justice and peace. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for God to put things right, for they will be satisfied” (Matt.Continue reading “What’s Being Said about the SGM Scandal”