We had a wonderful class experience yesterday as we continued our conversation on Joy. Last week, we talked specifically about what biblical joy looks like and the shape it takes in our lives and in the world. This week, we expanded the conversation, as we dealt with two questions: 1> In our society, what are […] Continue reading
I am currently taking my second journey through Eugene Peterson’s latest book, Practice Resurrection. As with all of his books, I am deeply affected by the powerful, image-laden, metaphor-driven, literary strength of Peterson’s words. And with this last edition to the “Spiritual Theology” series, the affection and “effection” are no less powerful and shaping. I […] Continue reading
“There is a faith that is willing to wait… without idols.” – Walter Brueggemann Our words are not meaningless. Our speech is not inconsequential. Our language is a matter of faithfulness… or faithlessness. On many levels and in many dimensions, we live in a richly diverse culture. The American people in 2010 find themselves deeply […] Continue reading
To be perfectly honest, I have not stopped thinking about “Stage 4 Faith” since lunchtime Monday (when a friend showed me the article). I find M. Scott Peck’s stages of faith to be both deeply intriguing and helpful for those of us committed to seeing people transformed into the likeness of Christ. Here is what […] Continue reading
This summer at Southwest Church in Jonesboro, AR, the Young Adult class is studying the Fruits of the Spirit and discussing how we might bear such fruit in the world as a faithful community. We are using Phil Kenneson’s book as a guide; Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruits of the Spirit in Christian […] Continue reading
I Peter 1:16 says, “Be holy; because I am holy.” “I am holy” God is holy. So… be holy. Does anyone else besides me struggle with what to do with this statement? Sometimes I read it and it makes perfect sense… other times, it makes no sense at all. In an effort to understand – […] Continue reading
Ends & Means 