Category Archives: God’s Big Family

iMonk Classic: Evangelical Ecumenism and A Jesus-Shaped Guest List

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer November 6, 2009 POINT: Evangelicalism contains within itself some almost irresistible itches from its fundamentalist DNA. From time to time, the urge to scratch is almost overwhelming. These itches would include: “Must say that Catholics are not Christians….” “Must say that all things ecumenical are bad unless it’s guysContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Evangelical Ecumenism and A Jesus-Shaped Guest List”

“What the Soul Is in the Body, Christians Are in the World”

By Chaplain Mike Sometime between about 150 and 225 AD, a writer penned one of most winsome and descriptive commendations of the Christian church ever written. It is called The Epistle to Diognetus. We are not sure today about its exact date, author, or addressee. It likely fits within the time frame suggested, for itContinue reading ““What the Soul Is in the Body, Christians Are in the World””

Children’s Sermon: Jesus’ Blessing Is Here for You

By Chaplain Mike I like the children’s sermon in a worship service. Many have suggested that adults usually get more out of it than they do the pastor’s sermon! I’ve heard my share of them over the years, good and bad. The best ones were simple, short, and directed to the imagination. It’s obviously wiseContinue reading “Children’s Sermon: Jesus’ Blessing Is Here for You”

Is There a Church There?

By Chaplain Mike Last week’s provocative bombing of Yeonpyeong Island by North Korea made us all feel a little more insecure, even as we read words about beating swords into plowshares on the first Sunday of Advent. Those who welcome the Prince of Peace at this time of year should be on the front linesContinue reading “Is There a Church There?”

Difficult Scriptures: Thanksgiving Edition

11-13It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14-16Taking a good look at them, he said, “Go,Continue reading “Difficult Scriptures: Thanksgiving Edition”

Preparing to Honor the Saints

By Chaplain Mike In some traditions, All Saints’ Day was celebrated on Nov. 1, while others will honor the saints this coming Sunday, the first in November. All Saints’ may be compared to American national holidays like Veterans Day or Memorial Day. On it we remember and honor the lives, faithfulness, deeds, teachings, and martyrdomsContinue reading “Preparing to Honor the Saints”

“For you we face death all day long”

By Chaplain Mike A current article in Foreign Policy magazine by Eden Naby and Jamsheed K. Chosky makes the following startling observation: There is now an alarming possibility that there will be no significant Christian communities in Iraq or Iran by century’s end. The statistics are sobering: The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees estimates thatContinue reading ““For you we face death all day long””

iMonk Classic: Three Days among the Mainlines

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer Originally posted Feb 21, 2008 Unless you’ve been brought up in the insular confines of fundamentalism, it’s going to be hard to understand what it’s been like for me spending three days with “the other kind” of Christians this week. “The other kind” in this instance are mainline protestants,Continue reading “iMonk Classic: Three Days among the Mainlines”

Why I Am an “Egalitarian”

By Chaplain Mike Comments are now closed. Thanks to all who participated in an invigorating discussion. To be continued… One issue that came up in our recent series on The New Calvinism was that of the role of women in the church. The TNC position (as well as that of others) is generally complementarian, favorableContinue reading “Why I Am an “Egalitarian””