Preaching from Acts 2 this Eastertide, it dawned on me this familiar passage was saying something much simpler, yet more profound, than providing fodder for theological arguments between Pentecostals and, well, every other Christian. The early portion of this chapter (tongues of fire, upper room, etc.), gets most of the attention in the chapter, and rightlyContinue reading “Leaning Into Death: An Alternative Reading of Acts 2.42-47”
Tag Archives: Bible
Gutless Grieving: Taking Lamentations Seriously
Today, I have been fatherless for one month. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my father dying of heart attack (no family history of them), suddenly leaving us without any opportunity to say “goodbye,” speak final words of love or simply say “thank you” for being a great father, a wonderful granddadContinue reading “Gutless Grieving: Taking Lamentations Seriously”
A Prayer of Lament & Forgiveness
How Lonely sits the city where silence now resides The doorways are clean and empty, the water basins full Yet, there are no ripples in the water No footprints in the walkways The corridors are silent- only filled with the tears of lament The joy of my heart has ceased, our dancing has been turnedContinue reading “A Prayer of Lament & Forgiveness “
Don’t Blame Your Vote on the Bible
A curious thing has happened this election cycle, the likes of which I have never witnessed in my 35 years of life: Christians are voting for a man that is completely morally bankrupt. It’s an unusual place for people of faith to find themselves in. Usually, at least where I grew up, the sinner isContinue reading “Don’t Blame Your Vote on the Bible”
“Exodus: Gods and Kings,” Ridley Scott and the Red Sea you think you know
Let’s turn to Ridley Scott. What did he say that has biblical literalists in a tizzy? I quote, “the parting of the Red Sea will be F*#!ing Huge.” Ok, so people are not so concerned about the F Bomb, but clearly the fact that he would use an F Bomb means his entire movieContinue reading ““Exodus: Gods and Kings,” Ridley Scott and the Red Sea you think you know”
Speaking of Noah
There is nothing that intersects Church and Culture as much as a Hollywood portrayal of a beloved Bible story. The reactions to the recently released Paramount Pictures film Noah has continued to prove this true. Upon hearing of the proposed production of the film many Christians preemptively began to be suspicious, simultaneously anticipating itsContinue reading “Speaking of Noah”
Be Free in Christ, Ditch the Rules
“One thing, and only one thing, is necessary for Christian life, righteousness, and freedom. That one thing is the most holy Word of God, the gospel of Christ.” –Luther And Jesus said to the masses, “Come to me all ye who are weary and heavy laden…and be introduced to my list of rules.” (Matthew 11.28)Continue reading “Be Free in Christ, Ditch the Rules”
Jesus is NOT the “reason for the season”
First, there is Christmas… Then, there is farce… The subtle denial of a Holy-day that is held delicately in the balance of adoration and consumption, with the latter giving way to our actions while the former is trapped in our sensibilities. Our very way of celebrating it dialectically usurping its truest image. As weContinue reading “Jesus is NOT the “reason for the season””
Advent Sermon: God Comes into the Lights of Evil
Did you see it? Did you see them? All around us, in the darkness, there are lanterns. Lanterns in the darkness that surround us. We peer into the darkness, squinting our eyes, attempting to make out a shape or hear a sound. We peer into the darkness trying to see who’s there. We peer intoContinue reading “Advent Sermon: God Comes into the Lights of Evil”
It’s called The Book of Revelation, not “Revelations”
The most popular and feared book of the Bible, the Book of Revelation, suffers a thousand deaths every time someone gets this wrong. You can hear it at any coffee shop (at least in my town), church parking lot, or casual argument at work when a co-worker is trying to convince you of all theContinue reading “It’s called The Book of Revelation, not “Revelations””
ParanormalChrist 