210514 Weekly Meditation

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Text: Matthew 5:33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’[a] 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the
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201101 Wright & Collins sing Genesis

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The guy on the left, in this picture, is N. T. Wright, internationally known New Testament scholar and expert on the Apostle Paul.  The guy on the right is Dr. Francis Collins, a physician-geneticist who now directs the National Institutes of Health and is famous for his contributions to the Human Genome Project. This is
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Symbols and Meanings in the Eucharist

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The Lord’s Supper (LS) that we observe today has a historical context which is important for understanding what we do today. The LS is not some random experience that the modern church just made up, nor does it originate from modern times. The origin of what we now call LS comes from ancient Israel and
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Getting their comeuppance

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This story is published only because of the biblical emphasis that it uses to evaluate our current national crisis.  The reason it is here printed is not to persuade but to give another lens through which to evaluate and assess events.  (You can read only the first 3 paragraphs and see how the writer incorporates
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180909 Theology & Government

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In a recent speech to Evangelicals, President Trump said, “Evangelicals are one election from losing everything.”  It was an incredibly bold and foolhardy comment to make to people who supposedly call on God and not government for their well-being. Which is the huge problem with the current mindset of people claiming to be followers of
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The abusive theology of “deserved” tragedy…

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The abusive theology of “deserved” tragedy… by Rachel Held Evans It took him less than 24 hours. When news broke about the tornadoes in Oklahoma, I, like so many others, felt a tightness in my chest. Tears gathered in my eyes. I looked at the pictures and breathed the first frightened, horrified prayer to reach
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Index of Biblical Themes and Texts

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Themes Texts Suffering Isaiah 53 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Service John 13:1-20 Philippians 2:1-11 Obedience Isaiah 53 Philippians 2:1-11 Weakness/Foolishness 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Cross Galatians 6;11-16 Forgiveness Hebrews 10:1-18 Discipleship Mark 8:34-35 Sin Romans 6:1-11 Crucifixion Matthew 27:26-56 Mark 15:1-47; Luke 23:1-46; John 19:16-42 Bread, Nurture Luke 24:35-49  John 6:35-51 Insight Luke 24:35-39 Baptism Romans 6:1-11 Transformation Romans
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Biblical Texts for the Lord’s Supper

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Occasionally I have some thoughts about Table Talk that will either 1) make it easier to understand or 2) give greater depth when talking about something so central and important to our faith.  I like what William Willimon says about the Cross which is also instructive for Table Talk. “Jesus was upfront in saying that
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You Are What You Love

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James K. A. Smith is professor of philosophy at Calvin College and has a Ph.D. from Villanova University.  In his book, You Are What You Love, Smith takes a look at how we form virtue.  Smith says that we are shaped most by what we love most, more so than by what we think or do. 
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