Peaceable Kingdom (1846) Hicks Note from CM: Sorry folks, but I see I’ve lost the battle today. I feel like the substitute teacher who has no hope of bringing order to the class. Please, either start responding to the points the post makes, or I will close comments for today. Here’s my summary of whatContinue reading “Our Moral Impulses — And Appreciating Our Neighbors’”
Author Archives: Chaplainmike
Tuesday with Michael Spencer: The Tactics of Failure
Note from CM: From 2006, this is an edited excerpt from Michael’s diagnosis of why evangelicals are increasingly drawn to the culture war. It’s not, he says, contrary to what the rhetoric wants us to believe: because they have a Jesus-shaped mission to the world, caring passionately about the issues Jesus cared about. No, it’sContinue reading “Tuesday with Michael Spencer: The Tactics of Failure”
Sermon: Are We Living at a Turning Point in History? (Luke 12:49-56)
Sermon: Are We Living at a Turning Point in History? (Luke 12:49-56) “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come toContinue reading “Sermon: Are We Living at a Turning Point in History? (Luke 12:49-56)”
Sunday with Walter Brueggemann: The Involved Life
Sunday with Walter Brueggemann The Involved Life We are called to put on love for the world, the world we have been taught deep in our bones to fear and hate and resist. But we did not learn so from Christ, rather we learned God so loved the world. So in our maturing we needContinue reading “Sunday with Walter Brueggemann: The Involved Life”
The IM Saturday Monks Brunch: August 17, 2019 — Hometown Edition
The IM Saturday Monks Brunch: August 17, 2019 Hometown Edition The closest I have to a “hometown” is Dixon, Illinois, on the Rock River in north central Illinois. It’s really my dad’s hometown, but I spent enough time there as a child, and lived there for a few years too, that it’s where most ofContinue reading “The IM Saturday Monks Brunch: August 17, 2019 — Hometown Edition”
Romans 5-8: The Gospel for Weak and Strong
It is right and good to finish reading Romans with chapters 5 through 8, because these chapters are not only the high point of the letter but the solution to the problems vexing the Weak and Strong relations in Rome’s house churches. • Reading Romans Backwards, p. 141 • • • Romans 5-8: The GospelContinue reading “Romans 5-8: The Gospel for Weak and Strong”
God’s Good Earth: The Case for an Unfallen Creation, by Jon Garvey, Chapter 12 – Direct Effects of the Fall on Nature
God’s Good Earth: The Case for an Unfallen Creation, by Jon Garvey, Chapter 12 – Direct Effects of the Fall on Nature We will continue our review of God’s Good Earth: The Case for an Unfallen Creation, by Jon Garvey. Today is Chapter 12 – Direct Effects of the Fall on Nature. Jon begins theContinue reading “God’s Good Earth: The Case for an Unfallen Creation, by Jon Garvey, Chapter 12 – Direct Effects of the Fall on Nature”
Another Look: I Am a Pastor
I wrote this many years ago, while on a mission trip in India. I used it to teach children about what a pastor is and does. Over the years, I’ve come back to it many times. Its simple words remind me of and refresh me in God’s calling. Perhaps, today, it can be of encouragementContinue reading “Another Look: I Am a Pastor”
Another Look: Fear Not, Little Flock
Another Look: Fear Not, Little Flock From 2011 • • • Last Sunday, my wife and I entered the side door of the old church building. The small entryway had a few steps that led up to two vintage oak doors. The one on the left led to the back corner of the sanctuary. NextContinue reading “Another Look: Fear Not, Little Flock”
Monday with Michael Spencer: They Bought Me, And I’m Glad
Monday with Michael Spencer They Bought Me, And I’m Glad (excerpt, 2008) • • • There is one aspect of ordination I appreciate on a very personal level. When a congregation ordains you, they are setting you aside to serve them, yes. But they are also saying, “He belongs to us. We bought him, andContinue reading “Monday with Michael Spencer: They Bought Me, And I’m Glad”
The Internet Monk Archives 