This week I read an essay about COVID’s destruction of so many of our systems and foundations and what that destruction has uncovered. I found it fascinating—not only in the author’s observations but also in the metaphor it provided. Destruction is painful and traumatic, and yet it might enable us to see what we have … read
What if no one lived in poverty? That’s the question that kept floating to the front of my brain this week as I studied the text from James. As I said in last Sunday’s sermon, the letter of James is bracing and direct. James does not mince words when it comes to teaching how the … read
Most of us really don’t like being told what to do, except when we ask someone to tell us what to do. Even then, we might not like what we hear. For better or worse, we have an entire epistle telling us what to do as faithful Christians, whether we want it or not. The … read
Today is going to be fun, as we get to talk about the first law of thermodynamics and the nature of miracles. So thanks for being here today! Before we get into all those good things, let’s have a few words about this story. The first miracle in today’s lesson, the feeding of the five … read
A Sri Lankan pastor named D.T. Niles, who lived in the 20th century, is best known for this quote. “Evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” Evangelism, sharing the good news, is about living with generosity, and empathy, and love of God, and concern for the larger whole. Which may or … read
There’s an old Far Side cartoon in which the devil is welcoming a new resident of hell. Before them are two doors. One is labeled, “Damned if you do” and the other, “Damned if you don’t.” The Prince of Evil is urging the new guy, saying, “C’mon, c’mon, it’s either one or the other.” Some … read