Some things just need to be addressed. Photo by Jaime Lopes on Unsplash I’ve been seeing social media ads for a couple of seemingly related conferences coming up in our region. The events feature speakers well known in the evangelical world and promote values which seem biblical. At least on the surface. Heavy promotion generates heightened excitement to draw people in. One ad promises life transformation as people step into God’s purpose for their legacy, their family, and their finances. Other promises include that attendees will “maximize their God-given Continue Reading
The Resurrected Jesus Revealed Himself to Women First—and That’s Good News for Everyone (Let Me Tell You How my Jesus Treats Women – Part 2)
Jesus was no ordinary rabbi. While other religious leaders avoided women in public, especially those considered unclean, sinful, or non-Jewish, Jesus had no problem talking to women. He healed women, affirmed women, and even taught women. Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash Mary, the Disciple at Jesus’ Feet (Luke 10) When Jesus’ hospitable friend Martha gets overwhelmed with kitchen duties and complains that her sister Mary should be helping her serve him, Jesus responds with a compassionate course correction, “Mary has chosen the better part. Continue Reading
How to Bring the Kingdom of God to Earth
Lately, I’ve been reading and watching the renowned theologian N.T. Wright as much as my brain will let me without exploding. I’m pondering the implications of what Jesus meant when he told us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Some would have us believe God’s kingdom comes when Christians gain positions of political power, take over cultural spheres of influence, Christianize entire nations, and rule society for Jesus. But consider what Jesus says in John 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world,” Jesus said. “If my kingdom were of this Continue Reading
How Focusing on the Wrong Thing Derails our Discernment
When you hear the word "discernment," what comes to mind? Let's unpack the term for clarity. Discernment is the ability to comprehend what is obscure (not easily distinguished or readily understood). Synonyms include insight, perception, and wisdom. “And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ… (Philippians 1:9-10).” The Greek term aisthésis here indicates using our intellect for moral discernment and understanding of ethical Continue Reading