Chaplainmike

A Window upon Heaven

I have been asked what is the difference between the veneration of images and idol worship, and I am going to try and give some kind of explanation. First, though, I am going to yield the field on this: often, there is no practical difference. Yes, I admit: some (okay, let’s make that “a lot”)Continue reading “A Window upon Heaven”

Creation Wars: Remix

I wonder if, at times, the Lord would like to rethink the creation story. I wonder if he wants a chance to rewrite how the whole thing began. “Look,” says the LORD God, “it went like this. It was kind of boring to just sit around and stare at nothing. So in the year 4004Continue reading “Creation Wars: Remix”

Check It Out: Pastor Dan’s Sabbatical Update

Daniel Jepsen is a couple of weeks into his sabbatical, and has left a first report on his blog. Here is one of the remarkable pictures he has posted from his time in the country near Lake Tahoe: You can check out the entire update HERE. And we encourage you to mention our brother inContinue reading “Check It Out: Pastor Dan’s Sabbatical Update”

I Am Hoi Polloi

Here’s the Monday routine now. I wake up a little after 2 a.m. I stumble to the bathroom where a hot shower washes some of the numbness away. Returning to the bedroom, I dress in the dark, then lean over and kiss my slumbering wife goodbye. Down the stairs to the kitchen I go, makingContinue reading “I Am Hoi Polloi”

Yet Another “Wake Up!” Call

What’s so uncool about cool churches? Unintended Consequences: How the “relevant” church and segregating youth is killing Christianity. by Matt Marino, September 23, 2012 * * * Matt Marino is an Episcopal priest, the Director of Youth and Young Adults for the Diocese of Arizona, who recently did ministry as a hospice chaplain. He has workedContinue reading “Yet Another “Wake Up!” Call”

Luther on Holy Days

I am reading lots o’ Luther these days for my seminary class, so I will probably inflict a fair amount of it on you, our dear Internet Monk readers. Today, I am reflecting on one of Luther’s later works, On the Councils and the Church, in which the Reformer writes about the role of churchContinue reading “Luther on Holy Days”

God’s OS and the Church’s GUI

Today I’d like to riff on the primary illustration the pastor used in his sermon at the church I attended yesterday. The NT/Gospel texts for the day were: James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8a — where James decries the “envy and selfish ambition” leading to conflicts in the church, and commends to them the “wisdom fromContinue reading “God’s OS and the Church’s GUI”

Psunday Psalms: God, with Whom We Wrestle and Prevail

Psunday Psalms Devotional Thoughts on the Psalms * * * O Lord, do not punish me in anger, do not chastise me in fury. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I languish; heal me, O Lord, for my bones shake with terror. My whole being is stricken with terror, while you, Lord — OContinue reading “Psunday Psalms: God, with Whom We Wrestle and Prevail”

iMonk Classic: To Know We’re Not Alone

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From Sept. 2004 It was 1973, a year before my high school graduation. I was sixteen, a young preacher-boy at a revival meeting at a church in our community. I remember the tiny church being packed, but I don’t remember anything about the service, or the sermon or the preacher.Continue reading “iMonk Classic: To Know We’re Not Alone”

Saturday Ramblings 9.22.12

Greetings, fellow iMonks. I’m getting up off of my sick bed to see what a mess has been made while I was gone. But it’s not too bad. You all pick up rather nicely after yourselves. And I see the substitute teacher (aka Synonymous Rambler) actually made you do some classwork. Impressive. And you allContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 9.22.12”