I am greatly indebted to Rob Bell. Many people think he is ‘bad’ or a heretic, but I say show me this so-called heresy from a credible source and maybe… just maybe I will listen. Because when I hear Rob I hear an Anabaptist. So, if choosing to not be Reformed by preaching from an Anabaptist perspective is heresy, then its time to get rid of all us Mennonites 🙂 Ok, that said, I am a “podrishioner” of Mars Hill... Read more
The second value that is important to both the local church and to her leaders is community. This is another word that has multiple meanings for various groups, so I want to offer the following summary: “Authentic relationships guided by love can change the world.” The values of community and missional fit together perfectly. It is impossible to have one without the other. Without a community to partner with God, humanity would have no mission. And without a mission, the... Read more
The bible is full of helpful character traits that could easily be confused with core values for leadership. Being kind, compassionate, wise, or a servant; are all examples of these. Rather than looking at various characteristics of a leadership in the bible, I want to suggest that a Christian leader is invited to derive her or his values out of the whole of the community of faith. In other words, a Christian leader might ask: What do the Scriptures indicate... Read more
I want to thank all of you who participated in this contest. It really helped me to continue to get the word out about this blog and the conversations I love being a part of on Facebook! What a blessing it is to be a facilitator of Christ-centered dialogue! Also, I believe that God is going to work in your life through whatever book you get… *** If you are listed as a winner, I will be sending you a... Read more
(thanks to Michael Morrell for showing me this via FB *Also note that “madness” is not to suggest the insanity of the good folks who hold to the view being critiqued, but to the “madness” of playing a board game 🙂 ) I am personally saddened that this is a real commercial by wonderful Christian folks at IHOP-KC. I like much about this ministry, especially their emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit… but sadly, here is a reason... Read more
This past semester I was in a Biblical Theology class at Fresno Pacific University’s Biblical Seminary. We were challenged to write out what we believe to be the central message of the New Testament and to refine it throughout the semester, while keeping it under 100 words. If you read this blog regularly, you know that keeping to few words is a challenge for me 🙂 Well, I want to share with you my final draft of this and would... Read more
11:11… this has been a haunting number in my life for the past 5 years. Most of my college friends can attest to this. It is a number that I see on the clock at the oddest moments. For instance, I have seen it on my phone three times in a row, completely without intention (am, pm, and am again!). I have seen it on the same digital clock/temperature sign at the bank I drive past on the freeway two... Read more
Here is a video that I just had to share. It is a bit sarcastic, but that is the point of this comical genius. Check it out and then come back and give me your thoughts! The Colbert Report Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c Jesus Is a Liberal Democrat www.colbertnation.com Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog Video Archive Jesus is a Liberal Democrat Read more
The most convincing interpretation of the passage at hand is found in John Walton’s, The Lost World of Genesis One. After reading this book, my view of the chapter has evolved. I am going to attempt to summarize Walton’s perspective, but would strongly urge you to read his prolific book in its entirety. His basic thesis is: “Throughout the entire Bible, there is not a single instance in which God revealed to Israel a science beyond their own culture.”[1] Walton... Read more
I write about trash. Yup; I do. It’s the thing that makes me the happiest. When I was a kid, I saved containers that smelled good, like cinnamon bottles and other spices, and kept them in my closet. When I felt sad, I’d get them out, sit on the ground, and smell them. Smell is powerful. When I’m stressed, I go thrifting. It calms me. Recently, I went out and bought fifty t-shirts to make grocery bags. Later that same... Read more
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