“These are the names of the warriors whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite; he was chief of the Three; he wielded his spear against eight hundred whom he killed at one time…” – 2 Samuel 23:8 If you’ve ever attended a men’s ministry retreat, I’m sure you’ve heard about David’s Mighty Men. They appear in … Continue reading David’s Mighty Men
A Theology of Service: Love One Another
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” - John 15:12-13 This blog serves as part 2 of a series of entries that I’m writing on hospitality and Christian service. If you haven’t read … Continue reading A Theology of Service: Love One Another
A Theology of Service: Serving Others is Experiencing God
“Let mutual affection continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” -Hebrews 13:1-2 As a youth pastor, I am always looking for ways me and the students in my care might “serve” our local community. We frequently volunteer in a local soup kitchen. … Continue reading A Theology of Service: Serving Others is Experiencing God
Refugium
“To you, LORD, I call for fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness and flames have burned up all the trees of the field. Even the wild animals pant for you; the streams of water have dried up and fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness.” – Joel 1:19-20 The church that I … Continue reading Refugium
Did the New Testament Church Fail?
The Apostle Paul and the Jewish-Christian Schism "“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of … Continue reading Did the New Testament Church Fail?
Speaking Prophetically to our Culture
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." - Isaiah 1:17 It is very tempting as a Christian, in a climate so overtaken by political talk, to feel it nessecary to “speak truth to power.” In fact, if polled, many might … Continue reading Speaking Prophetically to our Culture
Using the LORD’S Name Lightly
This blog post serves as one additional (timely) piece of application to my previous post: Fluffy Faith. If you haven’t yet read that, I’d recommend doing so before this one. Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 reminds us to not be “rash with our mouths.” Further, it warns us to not take the Lord’s name lightly by attaching God’s … Continue reading Using the LORD’S Name Lightly
Fluffy Faith
“Never be rash with your mouth nor let your heart be quick to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you upon earth; therefore, let your words be few.” – Ecclesiastes 5:2 Here is a slightly edited manuscript of the sermon I preached on Sunday, May 26 at Unity Reformed Church … Continue reading Fluffy Faith
Sabbath, Symbolism, & Sharing Rest
“Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” - Luke 14:3b This post is an edited down manuscript of a sermon that I delivered at Unity Reformed Church on Sunday, March 17. If you’d prefer to listen to the message instead, you can find an audio recording here: https://www.unityref.com/downloads Sabbath, Symbolism & Sharing … Continue reading Sabbath, Symbolism, & Sharing Rest
History is Complicated
When reading history, any good teacher would recommend that their students employ the discipline of multiperspectivity.[1] That’s because there are almost always two or more perspectives on past events. A hero in one person’s story might be the villain in another person’s story. An event might have occurred because of a particular catalyst in one … Continue reading History is Complicated
Scripture Simplified 