Chaplainmike

Scripture Redeems Itself

One of the most provocative and helpful books I have found on the nature of the Bible and how Christians may receive it and read it is Kenton L. Sparks’ book, Sacred Word, Broken Word. I will have some future posts that reflect on his proposals, but today I want to share one wonderful passageContinue reading “Scripture Redeems Itself”

Bible Reading Ideas

This morning I asked you if you read the Bible on a regular basis. Your comments have been honest, frank and refreshing. They have also, to own the truth, been a bit discouraging. I believe reading Scripture is valuable as we walk darkly in this world. Perhaps it is a dark walk because our eyesContinue reading “Bible Reading Ideas”

The Bible Tells Me So

On a hot Saturday afternoon in August, 1973, I attended an outdoor music festival at a Baptist church in Centerville, Ohio. My experience was similar to one C.S. Lewis commented on. When I went there, I wasn’t a Christian. When I went home, I was. My life was changed forever that day. I had begunContinue reading “The Bible Tells Me So”

Just above the Horizon (with Bubblegum)

Another moment I have always remembered was walking out on deck one night after supper and finding a young red-haired officer peering into the dark through binoculars. He told me he was scanning the horizon for signs of other ships, and the way to do that, he explained, was to look not at the horizonContinue reading “Just above the Horizon (with Bubblegum)”

Overcoming God’s Reluctance?

Last Sunday’s Gospel, Mark 7:24-37, has to contain one of the most puzzling set of stories we have about Jesus. The first tale in particular, the account of Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician woman in the region of Tyre, is a doozy. Jesus left that place and went into the region of Tyre. He didn’t wantContinue reading “Overcoming God’s Reluctance?”

Wilderness Update: The Next Step in the Journey

On Monday, I will begin the next leg of my journey into ordained ministry in the Lutheran Church (ELCA). Having been accepted into the process (“Entranced,” in ELCA lingo) based on various interviews and documents submitted, tests taken, and background checks completed, I will now find out my recommended course through a Theological Review PanelContinue reading “Wilderness Update: The Next Step in the Journey”

Psunday Psalms: Psalm 3

Psunday Psalms Devotional Thoughts on the Psalms * * * Deliverance is the Lord’s; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah. (Ps. 3:9) * * * In some respects, we can think of Psalm 3 as the “first” psalm. Understanding that Psalms 2-12 serve to introduce the book, Psalm 3 is where the narrative begins. WhatContinue reading “Psunday Psalms: Psalm 3”

iMonk Classic: Rebaptism – What Is It?

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From September 2008 I’m going to write about rebaptism, an issue that has deeply affected and weakened my own denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, and an issue that touches every Christian communion I am aware of in some way. Rebaptism is a very emotional issue. One reason we don’tContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Rebaptism – What Is It?”

Saturday Ramblings 9.8.12

Good morning, iMonks. How is the weather where you are? Here in the flyover state I call home, it has cooled down from the 100s to the low 80s. Break out the mittens and scarves. Put another log on the fire (and tell me why it is you’re leaving me). And while we’re at it,Continue reading “Saturday Ramblings 9.8.12”

Together on a Stretch of Green

To begin with, as I say, my introduction to golf came when I started swinging myself out of my shoes with that old cut-down ladies’ club at age three and was taken by my father to the golf course, where I was permitted to ride on his lap while he was mowing fairways with gangmowersContinue reading “Together on a Stretch of Green”