Advent is about waiting—waiting for Jesus’ appearance. But it is very difficult to wait in a society of instant gratification, fast food, and high-speed internet. The Prophecy Candle that many churches light the first week of Advent reflects a lifestyle of waiting as the prophets of old waited patiently and attentively for the Messiah to come. John Henry Newman reflects upon Advent as a time of waiting wisely: Advent is a time of waiting, it is a time of joy... Read more

Humble glory fuels God’s missional kingdom, even when in exile. Humble glory is key to God’s missional movement.* Here I call to mind Daniel, who was a Jewish exile in Babylon. Daniel was a humble man, whom God elevated to a position of great prominence in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom to advance God’s own kingdom mission. There are several indications of Daniel being humble. First, Daniel gave glory to God. He focused on what God was doing in his midst rather than... Read more

Missional movements are forged in the furnace of affliction. This statement flies in the face of those who think that anyone led by God experiences only comfort and prosperity. How easily we forget that life is often quite difficult for those who experience spiritual exile. We find support for the fiery furnace claim in Daniel 3. This is the third post in a series featuring how to be faithful in our witness to God while experiencing the threat and reality... Read more

Many Christians in the United States feel as if they are spiritually and culturally in exile. For some, the feeling of exile results from their perception that the dominant Christian subculture is materialistic and power-driven. For others, the feeling of exile emerges from the growing religious and ethical pluralism surrounding the Christian community in the U.S., as well as from what they consider attacks on Christian identity and witness. No doubt, there are other reasons for this feeling of exile.... Read more

Beginning with All Saints Day and All Souls Day, the Catholic Church dedicates the month of November to Purgatory and to consideration of the end times—our personal end of life and the end of the age. For centuries, Protestantism has, by and large, rejected the notion of Purgatory, though there has been some openness recently to the doctrine (Refer here and here). While the teaching has been the brunt of jokes as well as subject to abuse, as in the... Read more

Many Christians in the United States feel as if they are spiritually and culturally in exile. For some, the feeling of exile results from their perception that the dominant Christian subculture is materialistic and power-driven. For others, the feeling of exile emerges from the growing religious and ethical pluralism surrounding the Christian community in the U.S., as well as from what they consider attacks on Christian identity and witness. No doubt, there are other reasons for this feeling of exile.... Read more

The approach of year’s end leads many people to review what transpired over the preceding months, and their entire lives in some cases. Unfulfilled resolutions and unmet expectations often come to mind, including with Jesus. As we look forward, may we examine our lives and rightful from wrongful expectations and renew hope that the next year or even next life will be better. May we take careful stock of what we need to do to prepare to meet Jesus face... Read more

Does the President of the United States have immunity while in office no matter what he does, including the hypothetical scenario of shooting someone on 5th Avenue in New York City? According to his lawyer, yes. Does the President have the right according to the Constitution to reject congressional oversight in all areas of Presidential conduct? Yes, according to the Justice Department. Such claims to Presidential immunity are some of the latest moves to expand executive power. These assertions are... Read more

Last Sunday, we paid tribute to what I termed “All Sinners’ Day.” The focus was on the need to identify with the repentant tax collector rather than the self-righteous pharisee in Jesus’ parable recorded in Luke 18:9-14. This Sunday, which is generally referred to as “All Saints’ Sunday,” we will focus on the need to identify with saints like the Apostle Paul, imitate their godly lives, and set a good example for others to follow. With this point in mind,... Read more

This coming week, on November 1st, many Christians will celebrate All Saints’ Day. Today, I will mark the thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time by honoring repentant sinners. I’m calling it “All Sinners’ Day.” As a son of the Reformation (which will also be celebrated this week on October 31st), I share Martin Luther’s view that the believer is simultaneously righteous and sinful. We are always completely dependent on Jesus, who is our righteousness. Apart from him, we stand before God... Read more