Much of the church in the U.S., including my own, needs change, change, and more change. Even a quick glance at what is happening around and among us should be enough to convince us that the church simply must change. In the U.S., most denominations are in decline and some of them must “pull up” …
Tag Archives: The way of Jesus
Why and How Jesus’ Kingdom Requires “Lent”
What kind of a kingdom begins with Lent? Well, a good and godly one. In fact, the gospel story begins with Jesus announcing the presence of God’s kingdom, and then proposing our proper response in “Lenten terms.” “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The kingdom of God is near! Repent …
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No, Mary Didn’t Know
Of course, that is the point of the song, isn’t it? Mary could never have guessed all that her child, hers yet God’s, would do. The exploits, the healing, the mastery of all powers earthly and heavenly, and the use of them all to love people whole and well. Then again, had Mary thought about what …
WHEN EXILES SING ZION’S SONG
Earthquakes, coup d’état, and plague convert citizens into refugees, and homeland into exile, as has happened last week in Haiti and Afghanistan. Against such painful backdrop, the People of God in Jesus Messiah have a song to sing that offers hope from a deeper and wider story. Consider how. The ancient people of God experienced …
The Politics of The Lord’s Prayer III
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is …