This encounter between the disciples and Jesus is one that I think is a little bit too familiar. James and John, who get a really bad rap here, come up to Jesus and make one of my favorite requests in the Bible: “Jesus, we’re not going to tell you what it is that we want, … read
I think maybe because of all the storms, and where they’ve hit, I’ve been thinking about my grandparents lately, especially on my mom’s side. When we lived in Clearwater, they lived in St. Petersburg, both metro areas of Tampa, Florida, and they later owned a bed and breakfast in Western North Carolina. I have great … read
In the wake of a historical and generational imperialism, colonialism, and class oppression in South Korea, a phenomenon occurred within the identities of its already very collective and communal people. What can only be defined as a cultural concept of sorts, this phenomenon is called han. It’s hard to even consider this a concept, because … read
There is an old Chinese proverb which teaches us that you cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair. I think that sort of sums up what Paul is saying in these verses from the last chapter of his letter to … read
It occurred to me, as Gregg and I watched last Tuesday’s presidential debate, that neither candidate displayed any knowledge of this particular scriptural passage, which encourages those who follow Jesus to live a life of self-emptying and humility. Of course, I did not expect to see that in the debate, though both candidates are Christian. … read
This month I will be preaching on texts from the Letter to the Philippians. I love the letter to the Philippians—it is so sincere and wise and loving. Many of you know that I will be leaving Westminster at the end of September, and I chose my final sermons with you to be on some … read