Ordinary Time is a good season to connect our neighbors to our congregants and congregations. According to the Christian calendar, we are in the midst of Ordinary Time — a time when many Christians focus on discipleship and our identity as the sent people of God. This is a good opportunity for congregations to reflect … Continue reading "The Signs of the Times" Read the article
Every family – regardless of what it looks like – should be treated with honor, respect, and love. Many people across the U.S. will be celebrating Father’s Day this month. As a dad, I don’t look forward to Father’s Day for the gifts. Although, I do like the gifts! Rather, I look forward to the … Continue reading "“Normal” Families" Read the article
The “church” includes all – Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, children, teens, and adults. At the end of this month, we will celebrate Pentecost, the day the church was born. Luke describes the event in Acts 2: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly … Continue reading "They ARE the Church" Read the article
Youth often come to believe that Jesus is out of reach. Easter reminds us he is not. On Easter morning, a group of women went looking for Jesus’ tomb. These dedicated disciples sought to honor Jesus by treating his body according to Jewish custom. When they got to the place where his body was laid, … Continue reading "Alive and at Work" Read the article
Teaching the joy of spiritual practices. If you are anything like me, you have heard some interesting teaching on the spiritual disciplines. One preacher taught that all Christians had to pray for one hour on their knees every morning to have an acceptable devotional life. To this person, prayer was a transaction — we give … Continue reading "Finding Rest for Their Souls" Read the article
The ways in which we guide the misbehavior of young people says something about who God is to us. When I worked at the South Boston Boys and Girls Club, there was a little girl named Jill who decided to be my shadow. This would be a sweet story except that Jill was an angry … Continue reading "Guiding Behavior Like Jesus" Read the article
It’s vital to give Gen Z the message that they are special in Christ. Friends, I am sorry to bring you some sad news. After watching several commercials, I have learned that I am not living my best life. The drug commercial showed me that I do not have the right kind of friends — … Continue reading "Complete in Christ" Read the article
Even before he could say a word, Jesus was transforming lives. This month, Christians from around the world will be celebrating Advent and Christmas. As believers, we rejoice in the coming of our Lord and Savior, marveling at the humble arrival of the King of Kings. Jesus not only came to earth as one of … Continue reading "The Blessing of a Helpless Baby" Read the article
One of the most important things you can do to reflect the image of Christ is show up. I have attended many awkward events. Some of them could be considered cringeworthy. I was an honored guest at a Quinceañera (a celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday), where I was one of only a handful of … Continue reading "Showing Up" Read the article
We do not need to be sinless to be examples of Christ. Paul was bold. The outspoken apostle confronted his opposition seemingly fearlessly and continued to preach the gospel, despite very real threats to his life. He publicly chastised Peter when the leader of the disciples was caught turning his back on Gentile Christians to … Continue reading "Models of Christ" Read the article
