Peace, unity, equality . . . when we are in one place, when we live in one place, eat in one place, sleep in one place, and when we finally join together in heaven in one place, that is unity. Even when we go to that (final) place, we all live together in freedom as one family, one group. In this world and in the next world we live together in freedom, as one family of peace. This is Islam. If we find this way of peace, this is Islam. Read more
Whether in lesson, in action, or even in hermeneutics, Jesus is constantly redefining our understanding of God. Violence and retribution was always a projection onto the Divine. It can be a way of justifying “our” violence. My tribe’s violence is sacred—yours is wicked. When we finally witness who God really is, however—when we “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8)—we discover what has been true all along. Recognition of that could change everything. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10—KJV)” could become a reality. Of course it can! If the Church started following Jesus in all aspects of life, his kingdom most certainly would come. Read more
I do not claim to know the scientific evidence for or against the medicinal qualities of most (or even many) plants. What I do strongly believe is that Jesus wants his followers to diligently work toward bringing healing to the world. If that means stepping out of our comfort zones and looking into supporting the use of something like MDMA in a clinical setting, then I believe it is our duty—nay, an honor—to do so. We may begin to find ourselves on the right side of history with regards to this. If it turns out some “illegal drugs” are actually medicinal in properties, it would be nice if the church as a whole was instrumental in paving the way toward healing. We have perpetuated war long enough—wouldn’t it be like God to offer healing plants for us to use along the way toward discovering peace? At least, that is my hope—peace. Read more
The love Anna showed her sister Elsa was the greatest gift one could possibly give; or, as Jesus would say: “Greater love hath no woman than this, that a woman lay down her life for her friends.” Amen to that. Read more
My second point is this: if you want to use the bible as an authority on how to enact law, at least begin with Jesus Christ. If someone wants to view homosexual behavior as “sin,” then are they not to view that “sin” as a speck, and their own sin as a “plank”? (Matt. 7:3 – 5) Jesus also tells his disciples to not declare themselves above the other, but in order to be “great,” they must be servants. (Matt. 20: 25 – 28) Read more
Please help us all to see the satanic systems that are in place for what they are—human constructs meant to oppress and hold down, accuse and blame, destroy and destroy well. Please give us the courage to confront these powers and principalities boldly. Read more
So, thank you to all those who have supported me, loved me, and continue to stand with me in the name of peace. I think we have seen enough negative mimesis—it is high time we start modeling some radical, yet positive, behavior. We have the perfect model in Jesus and I am hopeful more will join those who have blessed me in seeing Him for who He truly is.Selah. Read more
With “prayer and supplications” we hold firm to the truths Christ revealed to us all. God is a God of peace, yet thankfully revealed the mystery of that truth in His only begotten Son. This unfortunately remains a mystery for most, as they fail to be in the Spirit at all times. If our feet are not prepared to carry the gospel of peace to the hurting world we live in, if our own selfish, sacrificial nature forces the incomprehensible peace of God to play second-fiddle, then we will miss the overwhelming power of the Gospel. My prayer then is that we all can take a cue from Paul and dwell on only those things that reveal the mystery; namely, honor, righteousness, purity, love, and peace. Read more
Click Here to DonateAs many of you know, I recently signed a contract with "Resource Publications", an imprint of Wipf & Stock Publishers. With this comes expenses, as I will be responsible for copy-editing and type-setting fees. That is where you hopefully come in. Read more
I am so very pleased to announce my book, "All Set Free: How God is Revealed in Jesus and Why That is Really Good News" will be published by "Resource Publications", an imprint of Wipf & Stock Publishers. I cannot thank you all enough for the support you continue to show me. I would have never accomplished this without all the love you have shown me. Once this whole process is complete on my end, I will be able to devote more time to blogging. In the meantime, I will post a few older entries. Read more
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