Many Christians fail to grasp the basic point of the Bible: to follow Jesus. Unfortunately, many Christians love the Bible more than Jesus. They say things like “a biblical worldview” and “we’re a Bible-believing church” and “we believe in the Bible.” But in reality,...
Salvation in Jesus’ name is treated as a cure all. Supposedly, there is no suffering once we join the church, and if there is any cause for discomfort, then we vote the pastor out at the next business meeting. Ironically, we worship Jesus, who showed his wounds, but...
Imagine taking the few Bible verses on women being silent in church and human sexuality as literal divine commands from God for all society, but minimizing the +2,000 verses calling for a generous economy and redistribution of wealth for the sake of the poor to a...
In the home, at church, in the academy and the marketplace, and in society generally, every Christian has a calling to speak God’s truth. from The Messiah Comes to Middle-Earth
Sometimes when we are disappointed in our church and its leadership, it’s because we are expecting our church to make us happy…expecting what it’s not designed to give. Becoming happy in life is a personal project that can’t be outsourced to others, even one’s...
Modern religion focuses on filling churches with people. The true gospel emphasizes filling people with God.
The story goes that a public sinner was excommunicated and forbidden entry to the church. He took his woes to God. "They won't let me in, Lord, because I am a sinner." "What are you complaining about?" said God. "They won't let me in either."
It strikes me today that the liturgy of Ash Wednesday teaches something that nearly everyone can agree on. Whether you are part of a church or not, whether you believe today or your doubt, whether you are a Christian or an atheist or an agnostic or a so-called “none”...
The world is not impressed by a church where everyone who is essentially the same is getting along with each other. The world needs to see the church practice what is extremely difficult to accomplish: an incredibly diverse group of people loving and advocating for...
When we expect our church to never offend and always affirm our social, political, or personal sensibilities, we are looking for a mutual admiration society. Church is designed to transform us into a contrast community gathered around the Way of Jesus. Let's align our...