Restoring the Church’s identity in quarantined times

As a Christian, I often explore “what if” questions related to our Faith and the Church. One question I have asked in the past is “What if our church building disappeared? How would the church members relate to each other?” Strangely enough, we are currently experiencing that very scenario. And based on observations, I think …

Roman adoption as a model for adoption in Christ

In The Storm Before the Storm, Mike Duncan’s fascinating look at the beginning of the end of the Roman Republic, he introduces the man who would oversee the sacking of Carthage as follows: “The son of an ancient patrician family, Aemilianus was adopted by the childless head of the Scipione family—making him legally the grandson …

Jesus on judging | Matthew 7:1-6

The sermon on the mount is an exposition for kingdom living, that pursuit in which the Christian believer first and foremost seeks God’s kingdom and righteousness in the way they live their lives. As Jesus speaks his words, he’s establishing standards of holy living by which his followers will be aligned. At the same time, …

P.S., Forgiveness is what we do | Matthew 6:14-15

Having just concluded teaching God-glorifying and Christ-characterizing prayer to his disciples, Jesus adds a kind of post-script, reemphasizing forgiveness. He says “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” It’s important to reemphasize …

Salt and Light as Means of God’s Goodness | Matthew 5:13-16

As Jesus continues teaching his disciples what it means to follow him, he uses two essential earthy pictures to illustrate their witness of kingdom reality—salt and light.  In both pictures, Jesus uses the word good to convey the essence his disciples must both protect and project in being salt and light. “You are the salt …

A Local Expression on the National Day of Prayer

Every year on National Day of Prayer, I want to write something, but I never know what.  The day always feels a bit abstract.  Considering Scripture instructs us to “pray continually”, a specific prayer day seems superfluous and a “national” day to pray seems patronizing.  But I recognize special days are set aside for special …