Salvation. Now there’s a mouthful of a Biblical word. Because we don’t use it much in other contexts these days, it tends to take on a kind of mystical weight. And it does and should have that dimension, when we use it in church. But it’s worth remembering that it—in Biblical times—it had some rather more ordinary … Read the rest
Continue reading "Saving Salvation" »
John and I have been going to a lot of movies this summer. There are some good ones out there, but also its really fun to spend a few hours in an air conditioned theater. Sometimes in seats that recline in all kinds of fancy ways. With a bucket of salty popcorn! It feels like the summer rituals … Read the rest
Continue reading "Transfiguration and its Discontents" »
“How can anyone be born after having grown old?” It’s a reasonable question. How indeed? But rather than waiting for an answer, Nicodemus narrowed his focus to biology “Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus was not impressed, evidently. “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not … Read the rest
Continue reading "Born into One" »
How do you write a sermon when you don’t know what’s happening next? Full disclosure, I usually start working on sermons at least a week in advance, sometimes more. I like to have at least that much time to savor the appointed scripture readings; Bible study is really one of my favorite ways to spend time. … Read the rest
Continue reading "What Next, Wilderness?" »